Brentford boss Thomas Frank has described Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as the best coach in the modern era and an inspiration ahead of Sunday’s game at the Gtech Community Stadium.
City’s recent Premier League title win was their fifth under Guardiola’s stewardship and they will look to build on that in the FA Cup and Champions League finals next month.
Frank, whose side won at City in November, talked up treble-chasing Guardiola’s impact on the game which he admitted has inspired him during his managerial career.
“He’s top class, after the game he said it was well deserved (Brentford’s win). I only come across him when he shows class all the way through and I look forward to congratulating him on winning the Premier League,” Frank said.
“Many people have spoken about Pep Guardiola for good reasons. I think he is in the modern era, the best coach, most innovative, he’s developed the game massively.
“I studied him a lot when he was at Barcelona and followed him closely, I’ve been inspired by his work and he’s definitely an inspiration.”
Brentford will have to deal with record-breaking striker Erling Haaland, who has netted 36 Premier League goals in his debut campaign.
Frank lauded the 22-year-old for his impact on English football since his transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
“Haaland added a different dimension to City, he is so good in the box,” Frank added.
“If you see the disallowed goal against Brighton he makes four or five movements before the cross comes in, it’s very rare for me to see this from a striker.
“He’s always on the move which is so difficult to defend against, he is also always focussed and believes the ball will come in for every chance.
“A top finisher who can use the left foot, right foot and header but I think the biggest thing he’s given them is the pace in behind.
“I think it’s very impressive the amount of goals he’s scored which has destroyed the Premier League and there is probably even more to come.
“I know he broke the record this year and he’ll probably break it again next year.”
Frank highlighted the quality in City’s squad as he tried to predict which line-up Guardiola will pick.
He said: “They have 22 unbelievable players so who is the best? (Ruben) Dias or (Aymeric) Laporte? I don’t know that, I am not sure even Pep knows that, that’s two top players.
“Who’s on the wing? (Jack) Grealish, (Phil) Foden, (Riyad) Mahrez or (Bernardo) Silva? I myself wouldn’t know who to pick so they put world-class players out there and we need to top perform, our fans need to top perform and we need to finish off the season in style.”
