Manchester City's legendary manager Pep Guardiola has offered a touching tribute to recently departed Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, highlighting the profound respect coaches have for one another in the Premier League.

Speaking ahead of City's crucial Premier League match against Chelsea, Guardiola expressed admiration for Maresca, describing him as "an incredible manager and an incredible person" despite the unexpected nature of his departure from Stamford Bridge.

The sudden managerial change occurred on New Year's Day, with Chelsea swiftly appointing Calum McFarlane, their Under-21 head coach, as an interim replacement for Sunday's high-stakes match at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola's comments underscore the professional camaraderie within top-tier football management, where mutual respect transcends team rivalries. His public endorsement of Maresca suggests that the Chelsea manager's sudden exit was not reflective of his professional capabilities.

As Chelsea prepares for a challenging fixture against Manchester City, the club faces the delicate task of identifying a long-term managerial replacement while maintaining competitive momentum in the Premier League.

The unexpected transition highlights the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of professional football management, where leadership changes can happen swiftly and without extensive public explanation.

With McFarlane temporarily leading the team, Chelsea fans and football enthusiasts await further developments in the club's strategic leadership plans.