Man City boss Guardiola: My De Zerbi admiration grows by the season

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola expects a major battle tomorrow against Brighton.

City go to Brighton needing to win to stay in touch with leaders Arsenal.

Guardiola said: "My admiration is growing [for Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi] every season. They have had a lot of problems. Important players were sold. They have a lot of injuries and are playing in more competitions, but the way they play always they are there. He is doing an incredible job in Brighton."

He also said: "We have had a lot of problems with important players with injuries, but we are still there.

"We are in the final of the FA Cup, we made the latter stages of the Champions League and in the Premier League we are there.

"But you can arrive to the end like this and in one week lose all titles, but the team have behaved unbelievable this season again."

He added: "Every game is important now as every mistake and setback is difficult. But we have been here many times so we know what we are playing for."