'I was a lucky man to work with Maresca' - Guardiola

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he was "a lucky man" to work alongside Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca before their two sides meeting on Saturday.

Maresca was manager of City's Elite Development Squad between 2020 and 2021 before returning as one of Guardiola's assistant managers between 2022 and 2023.

Chelsea appointed Maresca at the start of the season, after he took Leicester to the Championship title in his first year in management, and the Blues lost 4-2 to City during pre-season and 2-0 on the opening day of the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.

However, uncharacteristically poor form from City since and an impressive start for Maresca sees his side arrive at Etihad Stadium on Saturday two points above their opponents in fourth place.

"I recognised his Chelsea team from day one, even when we played them in the summer camp in the States," Guardiola said.

"Many things I started to see that we spoke about many, many times in the last years together. Really good.

"I'm very pleased. I was a lucky man to work with him in the last years, and everything that happens with his family and him being fine, then I'm fine. I'm happy for him."