Carlo Ancelotti has described Pep Guardiola as ‘the best manager out there’ and a ‘nightmare’ to prepare for ahead of Real Madrid ’s trip to face Manchester City on Tuesday night. The two European heavyweights clash in the Champions League knockout play-off, with the first leg in Manchester before a trip to Madrid next Wednesday.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shared his thoughts after his team draw Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League playoff.

Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City harbour no ill-feeling towards Real Madrid over their Ballon d’Or boycott as the sides prepare to renew their rivalry. Madrid’s representatives failed to attend the ceremony to crown the world’s best player last year after apparently hearing in advance that City’s Rodri had won it ahead of their own prime candidate Vinicius Junior.