Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has praised Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper ahead of the clash at the Etihad this afternoon.
The City boss was speaking at his pre-match press conference yesterday ahead of the encounter, with the Spaniard full of respect for the Reds and their boss.
Cooper’s side secured a hard-earned point against Guardiola’s side at the City Ground back in February, in a game that looked to hand Arsenal a huge advantage in the title race.
However, the result at Forest spurred City on to win 12 games in a row, securing a third successive Premier League title.
Pep Guardiola on Steve Cooper
Earlier this week, Reds boss Cooper referred to the trip to the Etihad as ‘the toughest test in world football‘ with the Citizens manager full of respect for the Welshman.
“It’s a compliment, thank you so much to Steve,” he said.
“They were able to do an incredible game at Stamford Bridge and fought a lot v Arsenal and Manchester United, [winning] 0-2 after a few minutes.
“Last season we couldn’t win there but they did a good game, missed chances.
“We can’t deny in the last year at home we feel good. Tomorrow we have to prove it again.”
The Reds have the chance to cause a huge upset at the Etihad this afternoon. Whilst victory may be unlikely, it gives Cooper’s side a chance to see how much progression they’ve made as a Premier League side after just a year in the top flight.
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