Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has spoken of his admiration for Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri.

Under Sarri, who came into the professional game late after giving up a career in banking, Napoli scored 94 league goals in 38 games in 2016-17 and then ran perennial champions Juventus close last season, winning 91 points in the process.

Guardiola recalled: “(Arrigo) Sacchi invited us out to dinner, we went out in Italy — and Sacchi paid the meal!

“First of all, I'm happy a manager like that [Sarri] is here. I will learn a lot and see him (his team) every weekend. Last season, it was more complicated to see him.

“We are going to improve, because of his ideas. I've seen three games Chelsea have played in pre-season and in a short time he is already playing like he wants. He needs more time, but his ideas are already there.

“If his work is unfinished at the moment, then you have to say Sarri is the best by far to get them playing like this. He will do it, his team will get playing the way he wants. I think he will be perfect for English football.

“Chelsea will be a big rival, they always are. They have won a lot of titles - after United, they are the club with the most – with managers like Mourinho, Ancelotti, Di Matteo and Conte. Chelsea have always been tough. Now, with Sarri, they will be tough too."