Pep Guardiola declares admiration for Arsene Wenger

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has declared his admiration and respect for Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger.

Guardiola will come up against the Premier League's longest-serving manager for the first time since his move to England when his City side host the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Wenger's reign has been questioned in recent seasons, with the club's wait for a Premier League title having now gone on for 12 years, but Guardiola was full of praise for the Frenchman.

"He's the boss, no? He's the chief for Arsenal! That's why. I'm the commander-in-chief for Manchester City. I saw so many Netflix series and that's why [I called him that]. Commander-in-chief and colonel, I use a lot," he told reporters.

"He has been here a long time. When that happens at a club such as Arsenal, it's because a person is doing a good job.

"I understand it's not easy to win the Premier League, but I have a lot of respect for his career. I've said many times that I admire the way he tries to play and especially the quality of the players they like and they buy. I like a lot."

City would climb up to second in the table - above Liverpool and Arsenal - with a win over the Gunners.