Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on new Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte following his return to the Premier League.
The former Juventus and Chelsea manager has joined Spurs just a day after Nuno Espirito Santo was relieved of his managerial duties in north London.
He was heavily linked with the vacant position in the summer following Jose Mourinho’s dismissal last season, having worked under now-director of football Fabio Paratici during his time as Juventus manager.
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However, the Italian decided against relocating back to London in the close-season, but has now made a U-turn on his initial decision and joins Spurs on an 18-month contract, looking to re-establish the Lilywhites as part of the Champions League furniture.
Conte, who masterminded a 2016/17 Premier League title win with Chelsea and an FA Cup triumph the following season, returns to management just six months after he left Inter Milan, having guided the Nerazzurri to Serie A success last season, ending an 11-year Scudetto wait in the process.
He will now be pitting his tactical wits against the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Guardiola, the latter of whom has already given his two cents on Conte’s Premier League reunion, believing Spurs are getting a manager who has become synonymous with success during his career.
“First of all, welcome back to England, to the Premier League,” Guardiola told reporters.
“His career speaks perfectly for itself. He has had success everywhere. An absolutely outstanding manager.”
The City boss was speaking ahead of his side’s Champions League match against Club Brugge, which takes place at the Etihad on Wednesday evening, and he was joined in the press room by Kyle Walker, who was also quick to lavish praise on his former club’s new manager.
Walker added: “I think Conte is a great manager, obviously. Hopefully, it’s going to be a successful appointment for them.
“Obviously it’s been a tough couple of years with managers coming and going. I wish him and the club all the best.”