'Wow' - Pep Guardiola admits he was blown away the first time he saw Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou's team play

Ahead of their meeting on Sunday at Etihad Stadium, Guardiola disclosed that he has been admiring the Australian's work for many years, ever since they first faced off in a pre-season friendly in 2019. That summer, despite City's 3-1 victory over Postecgolou's Yokohama F. Marinos, the Japanese side boasted more possession than their opponents.

Postecoglou's current team started the campaign off very well but have been pegged back by three straight losses. Despite Spurs' poor run of form, Guardiola has been impressed by their aggressive approach.

"I saw clips of his team play and I said 'wow', there were things in there I really liked. I told my players we are going to face a good team," said Guardiola. "We won because we had better players, but I realised this was the first time I met him [but I would see him again]. And since then I have followed him and in a short time he is here."

The Catalan also talked about Postecoglou improving Spurs in a short period: "He is already there, in a short time. Even in the games they didn't win lately. I am impressed at many things they do - the chances they create, and aggression in all departments. He came here with nothing and within a few months already you can recognise Spurs as his team. Every team that plays with desire and determination comes from the manager. He has done this in the past in Japan and in Glasgow with Celtic. He makes football a better place - a person like Ange. I enjoy watching them play and the approach they have. The impact he has made has been quick and really good."

When asked what he liked about Postecoglou's teams, he added: "The courage, the high line - so aggressive. Lots of combinations, they use the keeper. They arrive on the [wings], so dynamic, doesn't matter who they play against, they play their game. It happened in Glasgow and now here. They lost the last [three] games, but the players know why. Lots of similarities when they were winning. Two red cards versus Chelsea, bad moments, but they are always positive."

Guardiola's side sits second on the table three points ahead of Tottenham. However, they are both involved in the title fight so far alongside Liverpool, Aston Villa and league leaders Arsenal. The clash between the two sides could be crucial for both sides as they look to stay in touch with the table-topping Gunners.

Tottenham will be without a host of key names for their trip to the Etihad. Micky van de Ven and James Maddison both picked up knocks in a recent defeat to Chelsea, while Rodrigo Bentancur become their latest casualty after he was on the end of a strong Matty Cash tackle against Aston Villa. The absentees make City even stronger favourites to triumph.