'The most innovative manager in 30 years' - Owen Hargreaves gushes over Guardiola

Former England international Owen Hargreaves has showered Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with high praise after the Premier League side saw off Belgian opponents Club Brugge at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night. 

The Citizens went into Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League in second position in the group behind Paris Saint-Germain, having amassed six points from gheir opening three matches. However, a convincing 4-1 victory for Guardiola's side catapulted them to the top of the table after PSG dropped points against RB Leipzig. 

Despite once again being unable to field a traditional striker, the English Champions continue to score freely. On Wednesday, Phil Foden took up the role of the false nine once again, and was among the goals, as were three other unique goalscorers for each of City's four goals against Paul Clement's side. 

Speaking to BT Sport, Hargreaves hailed the impact of Guardiola on the team, noting that the Spanish tactician always devises a solution to his squad's selection worries.

According to Hargreaves: "He's the most innovative manager I think we've seen in the last 30 years. He'll always find different solutions with the false nine, or midfielders playing as centre-backs, or full-backs coming inside. He's so creative. That's what everybody loves and respects about him."

The former Manchester United midfielder noted that Guardiola would be eager to win the Champions League again after near-misses with Bayern Munich and in the final with Manchester City last season.

Hargreaves firmly believes that City are one of the favourites for this year's Champions League crown, pointing out that the club seems to be getting closer and closer to the ultimate goal. 

"He'll want to win the Champions League again. That's the one he obviously craves. That success with Barcelona, he was so close with Bayern, this group of players he's been so close. They're one of the favourites this year," Hargreaves explained. 

Guardiola first has to first guide his team to the knockout stages, with qualification far from sorted. Their next opponents Paris Saint-Germain sit second in Group A on eight points. Victory against the Parisians would ensure safe passage to the next round. The UEFA Champions League is the only title Guardiola has yet to win at City, having won 10 other trophies in a hugely successful five-year period with the club.