'Football should be grateful' - Pep on Ranieri's return | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola admits he is a huge admirer of Watford boss Claudio Ranieri.

The former Chelsea and Leicester City manager took over as Hornets boss at the start of October and Pep is delighted to see him back in the Premier League.

“Football must be grateful, he’s an important person,” said Guardiola.

“What he’s done is amazing, Leicester is his benchmark, but he did it in Spain, Italy, France everywhere.

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“I admire this type of person and what he’s done, the passion, energy to go there.

“I remember when Watford lost against Liverpool, the press conference afterwards him and the confidence he showed - I’d be depressed if I lost this game! I admire him a lot.

“It’ll be a pleasure to see him again, the results against him aren’t always good, against United they played incredibly well; Chelsea they did a really good game, always they are tight and close results.

“Against Leicester they lost but had more chances - every game it’s there, we have to be careful tomorrow, do our game and another good performance.”

Asked if he was happy with his own team’s consistency, Pep added: “I said before I don’t know what will happen against Watford and the next game after that.

“One month ago we played at a good level, in many aspects but we have to prove ourselves again, I know how difficult our opponents are and if we drop points it’ll be tough, but it’s about performance.

“I was really impressed on Wednesday with (our win at) Aston Villa; the rhythm, defensively and offensively, we made a really good game, this is why I’m pleased.”

City have now had 17 different scorers this season in all competitions and the boss puts that down to the incredible teamwork his players show when they play.

“The only secret, to do it as a team, everyone is involved and has permission to get to the ball,” he said.

“I never said don’t score a goal, they have the feeling to go and try.”

And regarding the clutch of individual monthly nominations City have recently received, Pep says it is nice, but that the recognition comes because of how his team work for each other on the pitch.

“Individual awards for the communication point, the show must go on but before they existed the team played the same, we don’t pay much attention,” said Pep.

“These awards normally are won by the teams that are winning. Winning means for many reasons. if I am awarded Manager of the Month,  it’s because of the players.

“I didn’t score one goal or save one shot. If Bernardo wins then it’s because there’s 10 other players who help him.

“It’s nice for the media, Instagram but it’s about being  consistent and having success for our people and the people who like watching City.”