REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 06: Roberto De Zerbi head coach of US Sassuolo looks on during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and Spezia Calcio at Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore on February 06, 2021 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

De Zerbi Exalts Guardiola as One of the Greatest Ever

Brighton and Hove Albion tactician Roberto De Zerbi has heaped praise on Pep Guardiola, after the Manchester City coach won the third UEFA Champions League title of his decorated career. Guardiola’s City bulldozed through some of the best teams in Europe, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, enroute a historic continental title for the club.

Speaking to Bobo TV (via Tuttomercatoweb), De Zerbi expressed his admiration for Guardiola following a successful debut season in England.

“Against Manchester City the only thing that bothered me was lost possession, 60 to 40. I told Pep about it after the match. I love him, he’s the person who helped me the most when I arrived in England: he immediately telephoned me to say a good word to me: asked me if I needed anything.”

De Zerbi placed Guardiola among all-time greats such as Arrigo Sacchi.

“He is the number one in history together with Sacchi and a few others. There is so much envy towards him. What more should he do? He has won everything in his career and it is a great merit.”

Guardiola narrowly outclassed Simone Inzaghi to grab the coveted title, denying his Italian counterpart a first European championship as a manager.

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