Pep Guardiola labels Thomas Tuchel an "excellent" coach ahead of Chelsea clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel ahead of Saturday lunchtime's Premier League showdown.

After losing three successive games against Tuchel's Blues side, Guardiola got the better of the German in September, with Gabriel Jesus scoring the decisive goal in a slender 1-0 league win at Stamford Bridge.

Asked by the press for his thoughts on Tuchel as a manager, Guardiola said: "[Tuchel is] so creative. One of the few managers I learn constantly from, to become a better manager myself.

"[He is] excellent in all departments. I enjoy since he was in Mainz and Dortmund, always I enjoy watching his teams and the way he's playing and the approach. He makes world football better. When you find a manager who always wants to be positive in the way they play, it's good."

In response to Tuchel revealing that he 'wrongly approached' the reverse fixture tactically, Guardiola is unsure as to how Chelsea will set up at the Etihad Stadium, but suggested that Chelsea have a different approach when playing away from home.

The Spaniard added: "I can't imagine what is going to happen tomorrow. If he didn't like how they played at home, they play different away.

"Seeing Liverpool game and Tottenham both games, I saw Chelsea completely different at Tottenham than they play at Stamford Bridge. I don't know if the plan was like this, or they couldn't do it. I presume [this is] the approach that Chelsea will have tomorrow."

Table toppers Man City could move 13 points clear of Chelsea in second place, and 14 clear of third-placed Liverpool, if they can secure their 12th successive league victory this weekend.