Pep Guardiola issues major praise on Brighton & Hove Albion operation since Graham Potter ahead of league clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a major update on the development and growth of Brighton & Hove Albion as a successful football operation.

The Premier League champions travel to the south coast for the second time in just seven days as part of a four-match run away from home that has seen the club endure three successive defeats in the previous away fixtures.

An exit from the Carabao Cup at the fourth round stage at the hands of Tottenham in North London was followed by a successive 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth in the Premier League, before the UEFA Champions League would bring a 4-1 scoreline in Sporting’s favour on Tuesday.

The challenges for a depleted and tiring Manchester City side do not get any easier this time around either, with the club paying a visit to the ever-impressive Brighton & Hove Albion, who continue to put in commendable performances under their new coach Fabian Hurzeler.

Speaking during his pre-match media conference on Friday afternoon, Pep Guardiola explained to reporters just how much admiration he has for the south coast club’s operation since their success under Graham Potter.

“I’m really impressed by the way they play,” Guardiola admitted.

“I think the director, chairman made an incredible job there. Brighton made a lot of signings this season and he [Fabian Hurzeler] is doing an incredible job; personality, rhythm, the way they play was outstanding.”

The Manchester City coach continued, “Always they have been tough since Graham Potter, away or home it doesn’t matter, and this will be no exception.”

Manchester City come into the clash off the back of three matches all resulting in defeats across three different competitions, but when quizzed on what the last week in particular has taught him about his squad, Guardiola insisted all remains the same.

“Not absolutely anything because I’ve known them for nine years, they’ve proved many times what they are capable of,” the City tactician insisted. “It’s not changed the opinion I have of them, it’s part of sometimes happens.”