Laudrup: Premier League is Guardiola's 'biggest challenge'

Former Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup believes his old Barcelona teammate Pep Guardiola will face his "biggest challenge" in trying to inspire Manchester City to glory.

Laudrup oversaw the Swans for 20 months between 2012 and 2014, and believes Guardiola will contend with more tactical conundrums than he faced in his trophy-laden stints overseeing Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

"The Premier League is very difficult," the Dutchman reflected in a documentary for Sky Sports. "One week he's playing against Arsenal in one way, the week after he's playing a team that's more direct, whereas in Spain they all try to play the same way and in Germany as well. So this will be his biggest challenge."

Guardiola's tenure will be among many scrutinised by fans of England's top flight. Antonio Conte is also a newcomer to the division, taking over Chelsea following two years at the Italy helm. Jose Mourinho's Manchester United stint has already made waves with the incoming world-record purchase of Paul Pogba. The first full season of Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp is another key narrative, as the German tries to build a side suitable of playing his gegenpressing style.

Those who have worked under Guardiola, however, believe he will ultimately come out on top.

"I think that Pep, due to his standing in modern football, could change things," said ex-Barcelona midfield mainstay Xavi, now of Al Sadd in Qatar. "I think that he is one of the few people who can change English football."

Thierry Henry, who played at the Camp Nou for three years, added: "His philosophy will work, because that's how he his."

City's Guardiola era begins on Saturday when it welcomes David Moyes' Sunderland to Eastlands.