Valencia defender Eliaquim Mangala says he's a better player for his time working with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Mangala signed permanently with Valencia last August.

He recalled to France Football: “I spent a month with the team before being loaned to Valencia, and in a few weeks of training, I had learned more than during my two previous seasons at City!

"All his work is focused on the collective. The way he explains things to you makes you think in a different way. Working with him is a chance as a footballer, a real plus for your career. With him, you see football differently.

"I have accumulated super important tactical knowledge. Today, I analyse situations much more quickly, both offensively and defensively. He wants to dominate, to have possession of the ball, but to hurt the opponent.

"He always wants us to be in numerical superiority on each part of the field until the last twenty metres. And then it gives way to the talent of the players."