Guardiola: I want to prove myself 'against the Big Sam'

New Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is raring to prove himself in the unique experiences of English football, such as gusty Boxing Day bouts and duels with "the Big Sam."

The Spaniard's first Premier League touchline tussle will be with Sunderland's burly gaffer Sam Allardyce at the Etihad Stadium, and he highlighted that particular match as being a stark variation to what he experienced at the helms of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

"Against Sunderland, against the Big Sam, I will play my first Premier League game," Guardiola said at his first media conference in charge of City.

He added: "I'm pretty sure it will be different."

Guardiola hired Mikel Arteta as one of his four assistants following the midfielder's retirement from his playing days at Arsenal. It's hoped that after 14 years representing Rangers, Everton, and the Gunners that he can offer some valuable insight into the British game.

Related: Guardiola reveals Manchester City's coaching team

"You have got to adapt to the country you are in. I did that in Germany and I will do it here," he continued.

"(Arteta) knows what Boxing Day is like. I never played on a Boxing Day. I have never been to a stadium where it is windy and freezing and the pitch is not good. It's a target for me. I want to prove myself here."

The 45-year-old stated that oft-injured skipper Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure, who has lately been a languid performer and linked with lucrative moves elsewhere in recent times, have important roles to play under him in northwest England.

He also pledged support for winger Raheem Sterling. The youngster has struggled for form since his £44-million move from Liverpool last summer and has been subject of vicious tabloid treatment since his struggles for England at Euro 2016.

Guardiola played down the much-anticipated continuation of his rivalry with ex-Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese assumed control of archrival Manchester United.

"I think Jose said pretty well that it's not about him and not about me. We focus on ourselves but it's so tough to win here we all know that," said Guardiola.

"We played many times against each other and the big coaches, Jose is definitely one of them, helped me reach a new level. Jurgen Klopp is another when he was at (Borussia) Dortmund that has made me better."

Guardiola's appointment at City is one of the most anticipated in the English game, and he has told supporters to "fasten their seat belts" ahead of the new campaign.

The reigning League Cup champion begins its preparations for the new campaign in a friendly against Bayern Munich on July 20.