Steven Gerrard & Pep Guardiola heap praise on each other ahead of Wednesday’s showdown

Wednesday night will be the first time the two have faced off as managers
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Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola were full of praise for each other in their respective pre-match press conferences ahead of Wednesday night’s Premier League showdown.

The two are at very different ends of their managerial careers but whilst that may be the case - it didn’t affect the respect that they quite clearly have for one another.

Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad StadiumPep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium
Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium
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Whilst Wednesday will be the first time that the two have faced off against each other as managers, they do have history.

As players, the first time they met was on the European stage. Both were on opposite sides when Liverpool ran out 1-0 victors over Barcelona in the 2001 UEFA Cup semi-final.

Oh and the scorer that day, you ask? The now Villa assistant manager, Gary McAllister from the spot.

However, away from the nostalgia, their recent history is pretty much non-existent and yet with that said - the admiration for each other’s accomplishments is still there.

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“Decent player, not bad,” Guardiola joked when asked about the now Villa boss.

“It was the first time I was at Anfield - 0-0 at home and 1-0 we lost at Anfield, a penalty.

“The career from Steven Gerrard speaks for itself, it was extraordinary. What a player, fantastic. An authentic legend in the Premier League and of course [for] Liverpool fans.

“His contribution to English football was massive. I’m happy he is doing a good job. He did an incredible job at Rangers, he broke I don’t know how many leagues of Celtic in a row.

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“When you see these games you know there are ideas behind it. It’s a really tough game and a nice challenge for tomorrow.”

And the feeling’s are very much mutual as the scouser claims that he has “too much respect” for the City manager.

“My views are very positive, watching him from afar,” Gerrard said.

“It’s well known fact that he’s not only one of the best managers in the world currently and has been for some time, but when he decides to call it a day, hopefully that’s in many years, I think he’s great for the game.

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“We all know he’s going to leave a legacy as one of the best and most successful managers there’s ever been.

“I’m the lucky one, I was able to compete against him as a player in my younger days, which was an experience.

“He was a top footballer but he’s also carried that on into his coaching career, I’ve too much respect for the guy.”

You can watch the two face off live on Amazon Prime on December 1 - coverage begins an hour prior to kick-off (20:15 GMT).

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