Pep Guardiola once again has kind words about Newcastle United in pre-match press-conference

Pep Guardiola always speaks very highly of Newcastle United before and after the two sides meet, regardless of the result.

The Manchester City boss and Eddie Howe seem to have a good relationship built on mutual respect, and once again Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on the Magpies in his pre-match presser ahead of Saturday's meeting.

Initially, the Man City boss was asked his thoughts on Bruno Guimaraes as the champions have often been linked with an interest in Newcastle's Brazilian playmaker.

Indeed, Pep has never been shy in admitting his admiration of Bruno but has always done so in a respectful way.

More kind words about Newcastle from Pep Guardiola

It was no different on Friday when he spoke to the media about Bruno and Newcastle.

“There are many threats, a lot of positive things – Bruno is one of them.

“It’s not just this season, he has played two, three, four seasons at a high level since arriving from France. He is playing more advanced – he used to play as a holding midfielder now he’s more right-sided.

“The physicality they have, the long balls, the set pieces. It’s a solid team already. Of course, we will congratulate them on the Carabao Cup final.

“They will be competitors for the top four until the very end.”

Pep Guardiola weathered the storm at Man City

It has been a tough season for Pep with City, and it looks like the Premier League title may be beyond them this season already, but unlike other clubs, when things were tough, we didn't see City wielding that axe.

Losing Pep from the Premier League would be a huge blow as he brings something that not many other managers do, but he's never arrogant about it.

I mean, he's no Eddie Howe, but he's pretty good.