Inside Pep Guardiola’s behind-the-scenes chat with Leyton Orient manager including Abu Dhabi trip | OneFootball

Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens has opened up on his post-match behind-the-scenes conversation with Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola on Saturday afternoon.

The Premier League champions avoided one of the most memorable FA Cup giant-killings in recent memory at the weekend having trailed the League One side at the half-time interval thanks to a Stefan Ortega Moreno own goal.

Abdukodir Khusanov – albeit fortunately – and Kevin De Bruyne would come to Manchester City’s rescue in the second-half however, and have since lined up a fifth round clash with Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle at the Etihad Stadium next month.

And as is usually the case in ‘David versus Goliath’ cup meetings, Pep Guardiola showed his exceptional class and respect towards the opposition both on the pitch in terms of his team selection, but also off the pitch in the way he handled himself and greeted his counterparts.

Speaking to reporters after the contest during his post-match press conference, Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens detailed his exchanges with Guardiola within Brisbane Road, leaving him wanting an extended stay with the Manchester City boss.

“I have to say, the way he is, we’ve just had 10 minutes, what an unbelievable guy! I half didn’t want him to go home! Just stay for a bit longer,” Wellens said.

“The way he talks, I complimented his tan, he’s been to Abu Dhabi for a few days so he looks really well! What a man to speak to, he speaks with passion, not just coming for a drink and, ‘What time’s the bus leaving?’

“He speaks in detail tactically, about his experiences; what an unbelievable guy.”

Former Cercle Brugge boss and now Plymouth Argyle leader Miron Muslić is likely to receive the same treatment when he visits the Etihad Stadium in the fifth round of the FA Cup, with the Premier League champions’ outstanding hospitality on offer for the visitors.

Manchester City are likely to take the counter as seriously as possible too, with the club likely aware that the FA Cup is the team’s best chance at silverware during the ongoing season given the struggles in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.