Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl gives Pep Guardiola glowing tribute ahead of Man City fixture

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has described Pep Guardiola as "always the best manager or one of the best in the world" ahead of Manchester City's visit to St Mary's.

City, who were held to a goalless draw by the Saints in their last meeting back in September, will arrive on the south coast looking to register a 13th successive Premier League win, as they aim to take another step towards retaining their crown.

A win for the Blues this teatime will see them move 14 points clear at the summit, ahead of Liverpool facing Crystal Palace tomorrow afternoon at Selhurst Park, meaning Guardiola's troops would be one step nearer to securing a fourth Premier League title of his premiership.

With City having built up a reputation for being consistent title challengers under Guardiola, Saints chief Hasenhuttl believes it is that consistency that ought to see the former Barcelona boss separated from the rest. "I think he is for me always the best manager or one of the best in the world," Hasenhuttl said, as quoted by the Daily Echo. "He deserves this title every season because for me the toughest title you can win is the Premier League title. "It's tougher than the Champions League because you have to be so consistent over such a long time against such good teams. "It's so tough.