Pep Guardiola claims he still has some way to go to match the stature of Marcelo Bielsa in the world game.

The Manchester City manager has often spoken of how he has regarded the veteran Argentinian coach as an inspiration throughout his career.

The pair meet for the first time in England on Saturday as Guardiola takes his City side to Bielsa’s Leeds, who are back in the Premier League this season after a 16-year absence.

“He is probably the person I admire the most in world football – as a manager and as a person,” said Guardiola.

Guardiola was pleased to hear reports that the Premier League is to change its interpretation of some aspects of the handball law, while considering lobbying lawmakers for other parts to be changed.

He said: “Football is an unpredictable game – the hand from Eric Dier, the one from Brighton against (Manchester) United, West Ham against Arsenal.

“Everyone knows if there is an intentional hand or when it is absolutely unintentional, when one guy jumping in the box and after the deflection it hits the hand.

“You get a penalty that, honestly, is quite ridiculous, but hopefully the referees and managers can decide the best for the game, to be most fair.”