Ahead of the Premier League meeting between the two sides, Guardiola has hailed Frank Lampard as ‘an extraordinary manager’ and also admitted that Lampard’s side is a delight for him to watch.
“Frank Lampard was an extraordinary football player and he will be an extraordinary manager,” said Guardiola.
“He did a really good season and I am delighted to watch his team. They are the elite of European football. They have incredible players in all departments.”
Pep Guardiola was a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy and gave a number of youngsters the opportunity to enter the first team. Frank Lampard has also taken a cue from that in giving youngsters the opportunity, and Guardiola has revealed the boldness that comes with being a young manager.
“When you start as a manager, you have a passion and no fears,” Guardiola explained.
“You take decisions without compromise, which he has done by giving opportunities to the young, talented players Chelsea have because his Academy in the last five or 10 years has done really well.
“He knows at the big clubs that you have to get results but in the Premier League they are in a good position to qualify for the Champions League next season, which is one of the main targets for the six or seven top teams in England. That would make it a very good season.”