Manchester City vs Brighton: Pep Guardiola Describes Roberto De Zerbi With Cheeky Remark

• Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on Roberto De Zerbi ahead of their meeting on October 21
• Manchester City will hope to return to winning ways vs. Brighton after back-to-back losses
• De Zerbi has gained popularity for making his Seagulls team play some attractive football

Pep Guardiola dropped a characteristic cheeky remark on Roberto De Zerbi as he prepares to face him in the Premier League on Saturday, October 21.

Brighton and Hove Albion will make the trip to Manchester to play the defending champions in what is set to be an exciting game for neutrals.

Guardiola is in danger of losing three consecutive games for only the second time in his managerial career.

The Citizens come into this game on the back of losing to Wolves and Arsenal, which saw them drop from first to third on the Premier League table.

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Guardiola's cheeky remark on De Zerbi

Speaking ahead of the game, the Spanish tactician was asked to describe his opposite number to which he replied, per Football Daily:

"He's a handsome guy. I like him."

De Zerbi took the Premier League by storm last season, replacing Graham Potter in September. He then guided the Seagulls to their first-ever European competition when they qualified for the Europa League.

The Italian has made Brighton play attractive football with players who were relatively unknown before bursting into life at the Amex Stadium.

However, his side has blown hot and cold this season. They recently suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat to Aston Villa before holding Liverpool to a two-all draw.

"I admire him for the fact that he doesn't care which team he plays against. He has shown that you don't have to be in a top club with exceptional players to perform well," added Guardiola.

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Brighton are in sixth place. A win at the Etihad Stadium will see them leapfrog their opponents to third place.

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Sports Brief also reported on Guardiola appearing to back Lionel Messi to win his eighth Ballon d’Or award, joking there needs to be a separate accolade for the Argentine.

Messi is a huge favourite to win the Ballon d’Or but faces stiff competition from Erling Haaland, who was key for Guardiola’s treble success at Manchester City last season.