Pep Guardiola’s feelings about Aston Villa after the weekend’s action are similar to former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Aston Villa beat Manchester City 1-0 on Sunday to keep their unbeaten home run against the Sky Blues going.
Erling Haaland was shut out by the Villans, who earned praise from Guardiola for their defensive work ethic after the fact.
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Another comment made by the Spaniard post-match shows he and Sir Alex Ferguson both agree on Unai Emery’s team.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola at the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2011
Photo by Stuart Franklin – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson think Aston Villa are a top team
Speaking shortly after the defeat, Pep stated that Aston Villa are a Champions League side who have been a top team for many years.
He said: “They’re a Champions League team. They’re not in it this season, but a top, top team for many years. It is a tough, tough place [Villa Park].
“Unai always sets up good things. It is a really good team. I admire them – they do very good things.”
The view that Villa are a quality team is one shared by Alex Ferguson.
Back in 2023, the Midlands outfit were hammered 5-1 by Newcastle United.
Despite the drubbing, Ferguson labelled Villa as ‘fantastic’ when asked to name which team had impressed him the most.
His comments were met with some backlash at the time, but the Scotsman called Aston Villa’s rise perfectly.
Aston Villa’s Champions League chances predicted
Aston Villa missed out on Champions League football in 2024/25, instead competing in the Europa League.
Emery’s men will secure a place in Europe’s premier competition next term if they win the second-tier trophy later this season.
Meanwhile, the win over City leaves them eighth in the Premier League table and just two points off the top four.
At present, Opta gives Aston Villa a 25.19% chance of securing a place in next season’s Champions League, which is higher than Newcastle (21.56%) and Tottenham (19.04%)