Pep Guardiola is a bigger Roberto De Zerbi admirer than ever after his Manchester City side were held at the Amex, writes Carlos Acosta Juckes.

The champions fought out a 1-1 draw with Albion.

Guardiola admitted being a De Zerbi fan, following his career all the way back to when the Brighton manager was at Sassuolo.

He said: “I started to see his football in Sassuolo, Italy, with a middle team and I remember they went to Napoli, Milan, Inter and I remember saying, 'Oh my God, these players play really good'.

"With Shakhtar he did the same, with exceptional football in a short time before the war and then he got an opportunity to come here and show who they are. They played really good.”

The Manchester City manager had more to say as he gave praise to the Seagulls for their season.

He added: “They are a fantastic team in all departments, that’s why they are in the Europa League, well deserved.”

“They have an incredible team, we tried to have the ball and we did it. They have the quality.”

Guardiola was aware of Albion's strengths. Despite being crowned champions, the starting XI was a strong team.

“Today I felt we needed a proper team otherwise Brighton can play 90 in your box.

“The way they play there is only one, that’s why it’s unique.

"I saw the game against United, in the FA Cup semi-final, against Liverpool many times, Arsenal.

"They are really good, they have quality, the young players, the experienced players. They are exceptional.

“Brighton is one of the tops. Dunk, Caicedo, Gross, Mac Allister, Mitoma. I admire them, I enjoy watching them.”