Pep Guardiola admits he will be shocked if Ange Postecoglou abandons ‘aggressive’ attacking style for Tottenham’s trip to Man City as he heaps praise on Australian

Pep Guardiola admitted that Manchester City would be left surprised if Ange Postecoglou ditched his principles for a result on Sunday.

The City boss is predicting a goalfest when injury-ravaged Tottenham visit the Etihad Stadium and opened up on his first meeting with Postecoglou in 2019.

The pair were in opposing dugouts during pre-season when the Australian was manager of City’s Japanese sister club, Yokohama F. Marinos.

Guardiola was effusive in his praise of Postecoglou that night and can see the same philosophy already implemented at Spurs.

‘Absolutely not,’ he said when asked if Tottenham may alter to become more defensive. ‘It would be a surprise.

The Spaniard has admired the work of Ange Postecoglou since his time in Japan

‘I met him in a few pre seasons ago when we played Yokohama and Ange was manager. I saw some games before and I said, “wow, there are things that I like”.

‘I said to the players (then) we are going to face a good team who can challenge us. I have followed him since. He did so well in Glasgow with Celtic winning trebles and now in a short time at Spurs he is there.

‘In a relatively short time, even the games they didn’t win lately, I’m impressed with how good they do in many things – how many chances, they create, how aggressive they are in all departments. He came here and in a few months you recognise perfectly his team.’

Guardiola added: ‘I think he makes football a better place because I’m also a spectator and I enjoy watching them a lot with the approach they have. All Spurs fans and people in England can admit the impact has been big.’

City are likely to have John Stones available to make the squad as he continues his comeback from injury, with Mateo Kovacic also in contention.

Spurs have given Guardiola severe headaches during his time in the Premier League and he is enjoying this new version under Postecoglou.

Son Heung-Min is the key goal-scoring threat for Spurs in Sunday’s massive game

The Catalan once labelled them ‘the Harry Kane team’ – a comment that angered Maurico Pochettino – and refused to back himself into a similar corner regarding Son Heung-min.

‘I wouldn’t do a mistake, otherwise my colleagues would get angry at me,’ Guardiola laughed. ‘You see his team and the influence from the manager is there. You see Antonio Conte’s Spurs, you see the stamp.

‘I’m not saying one is better than the others. It doesn’t matter the result or opponent they do what they have to do. I like that. 

‘I think that is such an incredible advert for our game and sport. It’s always nice to watch. It’s impossible not to see an interesting game when both teams want to try to do it.’