Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits Napoli are ‘perhaps the best team in Europe’ and compares the Partenopei’s playing style to Arsenal’s.
The Spanish tactician, a former midfielder for Roma and Brescia in Serie A, spoke to Sky Sport Italia after a 7-0 win over RB Leipzig which allowed the Premier League giants to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals.
When asked about the state of Italian football following Milan and Inter‘s qualification for the Champions League quarter-finals, Guardiola replied: “Napoli are perhaps the best team in Europe this season. In terms of playing style, they are close to Arsenal. Then Milan are back, Inter too. They have both qualified.”
The Partenopei host Eintracht Frankfurt at the Stadio Maradona this evening and have a massive chance to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in history after a 2-0 win in Germany last month.
Guardiola continued his interview with the Italian broadcasters by praising Erling Haaland, scorer of five goals against Leipzig.
“It’s important that he had 30 touches. Before he would score five goals with seven touches and I didn’t like it. I want to involve him in the process,” said Guardiola.
“Then obviously he’s here to score and that’s what we want. But he has more chances to score if he is involved in attack and defence.”
Leo Messi has previously scored five goals in a Champions League match, also with Guardiola in charge.
“I remember Leo’s goals. Erling is super young so he has a reason to beat Messi’s record. The coach does nothing. I was lucky to have Messi and then Haaland. They have an extraordinary mentality. Haaland is an exceptional guy, he jokes with everyone and he does what’s required. He will always score goals, he has this talent.
“If you speak about the numbers, goals scored and games played, nobody can compete, he’s extraordinary.”