Pep’s progress is evolution of football, says Terriers boss

HUDDERSFIELD Town manager Darren Moore believes Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is a pioneer for the way football has evolved since he took charge at the Etihad Stadium in 2016.

The Terriers chief has made the admission ahead of his side going toe-to-toe with the Blues in the third round of the FA Cup this afternoon.

It will mark their third meeting in the competition since 2017, with City requiring a replay to see off the West Yorkshire outfit at the fifth round stage seven years ago.

At that juncture, Huddersfield were a club pushing for promotion to the Premier League.

Though they achieved that ambition the same season, and enjoyed two seasons back in the top flight, they are now fighting to avoid relegation to League One.

Moore was installed as Neil Warnock’s successor in September, three months after his shock exit from Sheffield Wednesday.

Though he has never faced Guardiola in his managerial career, Moore sat down and had a drink with the Catalan when part of Tony Pulis’ coaching team at West Bromwich

Albion several years ago.

“It was nice that someone of that ilk, that size within the game globally to be so humble and respectful,” Moore told the Mirror.

“I think he’s led the way, leading the way and continues to lead the way and evolve.

“When you start to lead the way, others copy and follow so you have to be ahead of the trend and that’s what he’s done.

“He’s developed a unique way of playing the game but also getting the results in a perfect way of how he sees football.

“For me, it’s his passion and desire, that winning attitude which is not easy to come by because when you’ve won so much, then to be able to park it and move onto the next one takes a unique character. These managers have a relentless attitude to win and be the best.”

Moore was present when Guardiola was hailed at the League Managers Association (LMA) Awards at the end of last season, after leading

City to a historic Treble. Moore achieved his own success last season, guiding Wednesday to promotion from League One, following an unforgettable play-off campaign, featuring a famous comeback from 4-0 down against Peterborough United at the semi-final stage. Moore continued: “Whatever level you are at, there’s real respect between managers. “The LMA have played a huge part and it was nice to get to the FWA dinner in Manchester. “Other managers have been a wonderful support vessel.” On the clash with City itself, the Huddersfield boss added: “I told the boys it is a wonderful occasion for us to be facing the holders and probably the best team in the world. What a moment for us to step into that arena and be against the very best.

“I would imagine, if you were ever dreaming as a boy about being a footballer and what it would look like, Sunday would be it.”

I think he’s led the way, others copy and follow so you have to be ahead of the trend and that’s what he’d done Darren Moore