Guardiola is an inspiration to every coach, says Inzaghi
Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi says Pep Guardiola is an inspiration to every coach at the top level of the game.
We face Inzaghi's side in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup at 02:00 (UK) on Tuesday 1 July.
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The Italian only arrived at the Saudi Pro League side at the start of this month, after a successful four years at Inter.
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During his time at the San Siro, he led the Nerazzurri to a Serie A title and two Champions League finals – including the 2023 edition which was won by City.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference in Orlando on Sunday evening, Inzaghi took the opportunity to praise our boss and highlight his previous duels with him.
'I believe that every coach that starts to train can see Guardiola as an inspiration,' he said.
'There was football before Guardiola and after Guardiola. He developed a new philosophy of football. I believe he is the best coach we have had over the last 25 years.
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'It [to play City] is a great challenge. I played them in the Champions League last season and it was a great game where both teams deserved a goal.
'There was the final in Istanbul where maybe Inter deserved more and we were not so lucky but Manchester City won it and they are a great team.'
Having only been in charge of Al-Hilal for a matter of weeks, Inzaghi is well aware of the test that awaits his side.
They are the only team from Asia to reach the knockout stages and did so by conceding only one goal.
Asked about what threats we pose, Inzaghi was keen to highlight our strengths.
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'Manchester City play world-class football and they can have great possession of the ball,' he stated.
'I think we're talking about one of the best teams in the world. They won all three games in the group stages so the condition of their squad is very impressive.
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'We have tried to prepare in the best way possible and we're aware this an opportunity to grow and we're going to try to put in our best performance against a great opponent.
'We're going to have a lot of time to suffer and we're going to have to try to keep the ball as much as possible because we know they are super reactive.'
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