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Pep Guardiola backed Graham Potter to thrive in the Premier League after spending 45 minutes praising the new Chelsea manager following Swansea City's FA Cup tie with Manchester City in 2019

Pep Guardiola's early interest in his work gave Graham Potter the belief he would one day manage at the top table.

Potter, whose first Premier League game in charge of Chelsea takes place at Crystal Palace next weekend, had a modest playing career and even early success at Swedish club Ostersunds initially failed to convince British clubs he could make the grade here.

When he applied for the manager's job at his former club Stoke City, they opted for Gary Rowett instead.

Pep Guardiola's early interest in his work gave Graham Potter the belief he would succeed

Pep Guardiola's early interest in his work gave Graham Potter the belief he would succeed

Eventually, Swansea City took the plunge and Guardiola became one of the first converts to Potter's meticulous and intelligent coaching – quickly followed by another managerial titan, Jurgen Klopp.