Leeds host Manchester City on Saturday evening in one of the most keenly-anticipated games of the Premier League season, with two of football’s most influential coaches going head-to-head.
Guardiola has often spoken of his admiration for Bielsa, saying the 65-year-old is “absolutely at the top of the list”
“He is probably the person I admire the most in world football - as a manager and as a person,” Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference.
“I think he is the most authentic manager all the time. In terms of how he conducts his teams, he is unique.
“Nobody can imitate him, it's impossible, especially his behaviour as a person off the pitch and related to the media.
“I was fortunate sometimes. I don't see him quite as much - now, when I get the pleasure to spend time with him, it's always inspirational for me.
"The value of the manager does not depend on how many titles he has won. My teams have won more titles than him but in terms of knowledge of the game, I am still below him.
“His teams are always a joy to watch; how honest they are, they always want to attack and produce good football for the spectators.”
However, on a personal level, he said Bielsa had not been more influential than the late Johan Cruyff, whom Guardiola played under for Barcelona.
“No, no because I've not been with him day-by-day, in terms of training, so Johan Cruyff was by far the most influential coach in my life."
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