Erik ten Hag praises his players and his coaching staff during Manchester City press conference

“First of all, the most important thing is that no two people are the same,” he said. “I have to stick by myself and then I learn a lot from many human beings in football. Especially, in regards to the top coaches, I admire Pep Guardiola, not only because he is successful but because he is doing it in a certain way which really attracts people to football. That is a really big reward.”

“Of course, we both think that we know everything about each other, but when we were together it was already eight years ago and as a manager one of things you have to always do is develop. I hope he did as I know I did as well. We have both changed in the right way but I’m sure he did and I did as well. If he is not the best manager, then for sure he is one of them. For me he is, but there is in this moment there are much more as well. That is clear.”

But rather than focus too much on our rivals, Ten Hag wants his players to concentrate on continuing the same methods that have brought United good results in recent weeks.

“We want to play our game and that is clear, ” he said. “With our principles and rules. We always respect the opponent; it doesn’t matter the opponent. We will try to play our game.”