It’s no surprise that the managers are in focus as tactical wizards Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola prepare to face off for the first time.
The Etihad Stadium will be the scene for Saturday’s 7:30 a.m. EDT kickoff, and pur own Joe Prince-Wright was on the scene for Friday’s prematch presser.
He shared the sentiments of the Stamford Bridge boss, who was -- no surprise -- asked about Guardiola.
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“I have great respect (for Guardiola),” Conte said. “I think he is a fantastic manager and is doing fantastic work with Manchester City.”
Antonio Conte; "I've never faced Pep. I have great respect for him because Pep likes to study football & find a solution, idea." #CFC #MCFC
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) December 2, 2016
One terrific little run from Conte had to do with the differences between him and Guardiola... as players. The Chelsea and Man City bosses both played in Serie A during the early part of this century.
“He was a fantastic midfielder and we had different characteristics. He was more of a pivot in front of the defensive line. I was more offensive, with penetration. I think I ran more than him, but he thought more than me with the ball.”
It wasn’t long before Guardiola was asked for his thoughts on Conte. Here they are, courtesy Sky Sports:“He (Antonio Conte) made an exceptional job in Turin and in the national job. It doesn’t matter if it is Serie A or the national team, you realise his strengths.
“He has started here with maybe not good results, but they have won last seven games, conceding one goal. That says a lot about how good they are. They were contenders to win the Premier League from the beginning.
“Now, maybe more than before. It’s a good test for us.”
Who’s excited for Saturday’s early kickoff?
