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De Zerbi joined Brighton from Ukrainian side Shakhtar
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi.
Guardiola has now won 11 league titles in three different nations following Manchester City’s fifth Premier League triumph in six seasons.
But some say the manager of the year accolade belongs to De Zerbi, who has excelled since Graham Potter’s exit.
“Roberto is one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years,” said Guardiola.
Under 43-year-old Italian De Zerbi, Brighton have qualified for Europe for the first time in their history, and Guardiola added: “There is no team playing the way they play – it’s unique.
“I had the feeling when he arrived the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great – I didn’t expect him to do it in this short space of time.
“He creates 20 or 25 chances per game, better by far than most opponents. He monopolises the ball in a way it hasn’t been for a long time.
“They deserve completely the success they have.”