Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed Newcastle boss Eddie Howe for his “genius" this season.

Howe took over at Newcastle when they were in the relegation zone a year and a half ago.

Quickly taking them up the table, he has moved them to another level this term, as they have qualified for next season's Champions League through a top four finish.

Asked about Howe starting work at 6am each day by reporters, Guardiola said: "I arrive late, later than six! 6am? That is genius. No, at 6am, I'm in bed. I love a sleep, so I'm not there.

"But I think all managers, we arrive early on, that's for sure, and prepare training sessions and stay as long as you need."

He added: "But all managers are thinking for 24 hours in our jobs. We are not different, all of us."