Manchester City signed Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Club Bilbao in January 2018 following his impressive displays with his former club over several years.
It was the current Leeds United manager, Marcelo Bielsa, who handed Laporte his first team debut with the Basque club.
After the Argentine left in 2013, he was replaced by Ernesto Valverde and under the latter, the defender played for four years at the Spanish club.
Valverde joined Barcelona in 2017 and months later, the French defender moved to the Premier League, where he has been an undisputed holder in Manchester City’s defence this season.
Speaking to Cadena Ser, Laporte hailed his two former managers and his current boss, Pep Guardiola.
“I’ve been lucky to have the best coaches in the world,” the centre-back said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
The clubs managed by the aforementioned managers are currently sitting on top of their respective leagues.
City have conceded just four goals in the Premier League and Laporte’s impressive form has been one of the key reasons. The 24-year-old has explained the impact of the former Bayern Munich boss’ coaching on his game.
“With Pep I have learned a lot and with my teammates it is much easier. He has some key concepts, although they are not always infallible,” he added.
Bielsa’s impressive start at Leeds United has survived a recent blip, underlining the Yorkshire club’s chances of promotion this season.
