Pep Guardiola makes massive claim about Antonio Conte ahead of Man City's trip to Chelsea

GETTY

Man City's Pep Guardiola has hailed Chelsea boss Antonio Conte

Guardiola's City take on Conte's Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this evening.

Ahead of that game, Guardiola said: "My opinion about my colleague Conte is that he's superb.

"He was able to make Italy play beautiful football - Juventus too - in a culture where it's so defensive.

"He's an excellent manager, I learn a lot when I see his teams - Juventus, Italy and now.

Combined XI: Chelsea v Manchester City

Monday, 3rd April 2017

CHELSEA are taking on Manchester City on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge, but who makes our combined XI?

1 / 13

GETTY

Combined XI: Chelsea v Manchester City

“He's an excellent manager. Maybe he's the best”

Pep Guardiola on Chelsea boss Antonio Conte

"I like to do that because you see what they want to do. Their teams control a lot of aspects.

"Maybe he's the best."

Chelsea lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace at the weekend, just their second Premier League defeat since late September.

Guardiola is wary that that result could make the Blues even more dangerous tonight.

GETTY

Pep Guardiola's Man City face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight

He added: "They will be more focused.

"When you win 10, 11 or 12 games in a row, the danger is to be relaxed.

"You are winning and have a points advantage. But when you lose a game, after that the warnings are there."

City have drawn three straight top-flight games going into tonight's match in west London, including Sunday's 2-2 at Arsenal.