Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola lauds Ian Poveda's decision to join 'maybe the best manager in the world' Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United

Guardiola revealed that the 19-year-old winger was allowed to leave the Etihad because he wasn't getting the games he needs.

But by moving to Elland Road, Poveda will be linking up with a head coach who is potentially the best in the world at developing players, in Guardiola's eyes.

"He is young, he has to play, he was not able and I think Leeds United is an incredible challenge to be training for one of the best or maybe the best manager in the world in terms of how he helps the players to be better players," said Guardiola.

“He has an incredible power to develop. For the way Leeds play suits perfect for his qualities.”

Guardiola admitted he didn't speak to the youngster before he departed Manchester City so couldn't comment on whether or not Bielsa's presence at Elland Road had swayed Poveda's decision, but insisted Poveda had chosen well.

"I didn’t speak with Ian, but anyway, either way it’s a really good decision for him," he added.