Ahead Of PSG Vs Man City, Pochettino Is Honored To Face 'the Best Coach In The World'

JAKARTA - Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Mauricio Pochettino has called his potential opponent Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola the best coach in the world. The two coaches reopened their competition in the Champions League semifinals on Thursday, April 29.

Pochettino and Guardiola competed as Barcelona and Espanyol players before both of them coached the two clubs.

They also competed in the Premier League during the five years Pochettino coached Tottenham Hotspur. The Argentine coach took Spurs to the semi-finals of the Champions League two years ago after beating Guardiola's City in the quarter-finals.

"For me he is the best," said Pochettino, who replaced Thomas Tuchel as PSG boss in mid-season, told the British media.

"I admire him and think he is doing a fantastic job. He is an extraordinary coach, always thinking of different strategies and plans. I am happy to face him and the teams he is preparing for."

"Not only the best manager. The club is also important. A club that believes in you to build a team and provides all the tools for you."

Pochettino said his team's defeat to Bayern Munich in last season's Champions League final would give them additional motivation.

"We know we have experience but we have to go step by step. Now, we have to beat Manchester City and it will be a very, very tough match."