Champions League: Pep Guardiola on battles with Jurgen Klopp, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte ahead of Manchester City's opener against Napoli

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Pep Guardiola has compared Antonio Conte to other "big managers" Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho ahead of Manchester City's Champions League clash against Napoli. Guardiola previously faced Conte during the Italian's spells with Chelsea and Tottenham, and the City boss said he "always enjoys" these battles. Conte guided Napoli to the Serie A title last year in his first season in charge.

‘I’ve learnt a lot’ – Guardiola on battles with ‘big managers’ ahead of Conte meeting

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Pep Guardiola has said he "always enjoys" taking on "big managers" like Antonio Conte ahead of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League opener against Napoli.

Napoli are back in Europe’s elite competition after winning Serie A in Conte’s first season in charge, having finished 10th in the previous campaign.

The Italian did the same when he arrived at Chelsea in 2016, inheriting a side that finished 10th and taking them to the title. In doing so, he denied Pep Guardiola a maiden Premier League title in his first season with City.

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Guardiola also faced Conte during the Italian’s spell with Tottenham Hotspur, and the City boss relished these meetings, comparing their battles to those he has had with Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho throughout his career.

"I always enjoy," Guardiola told TNT Sports when asked about games against Conte. "I've been with Jurgen much more, with Jose Mourinho in the early ages a lot.

"With Antonio as well, of course, with Chelsea, Tottenham.

"I learn a lot with big, big, big managers. I enjoy it a lot, and Antonio is not an exception."

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Napoli won their second Serie A title in three years last season after finishing just one point ahead of beaten Champions League finalists Internazionale.

Guardiola admitted it will be "tough" hosting Conte’s men in the first match of the league phase.

"His teams always have been there," Guardiola said. "Antonio - always his teams are so recognised, so good.

"Of course, Napoli's so tough, but (so) will be the next one. In this format, I see all the teams, and everyone is tricky."

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'You have to be careful' - Guardiola wary of De Bruyne's threat ahead of reunion

City’s clash with Napoli will see Kevin De Bruyne return to the Etihad for the first time since his summer departure.

The legendary midfielder spent 10 years at the club, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League, before joining Napoli on a free transfer in June.

The 34-year-old has quickly settled into life at the Serie A champions, scoring two goals in his first three games.

Having only just waved goodbye to De Bruyne, Guardiola is more than aware of the threat he poses, particularly given his fast start in Naples.

Reflecting on the Belgian’s departure, Guardiola said: "I remember we talked about that: ‘I'm pretty sure if you go to Napoli, we're going to face (you).’ But I didn't expect the first game to be honest.

"The impact has been quick immediately. So in the final third, he's just an unstoppable player. You have to be careful."

Guardiola added: "I'm looking forward to seeing him after the game and we can talk a little bit."

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