"Pep helped me in transitions" - Boston Celtics coach details Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola's impact as they win NBA title

Pep Guardiola has been hailed for his impact on Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla has hailed the impact of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on his team as they won the NBA Finals. Boston Celtics overcame the Dallas Mavericks to claim a record 18th NBA title in the 2024 season.

Boston Celtics were crowned as the NBA champions for the first time since 2008 after a masterful performance throughout the season. Losing finalists in 2022, they found the extra gear needed to claim their elusive 18th championship.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was pictured in conversation with his Boston Celtics counterpart before Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Spaniard spent time in the USA after leading City to an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title in the 2023-24 season.

Mazzulla has credited Guardiola with helping him devise a means to outwit the Dallas Mavericks defense, which was one of the best in the league. The Celtics coach said (via X account @CentreGoals).

Expand Tweet

“Dallas has one of the smartest defences. We had to be creative. Pep helped me in transitions and how to move the guys.”

Boston Celtics won the series 4-1 after going 3-0 up, affirming their dominance this season. Guardiola was spotted courtside during Game 1 between the teams in Boston as he rocked a Celtics hat on the day, indicating his support for the side.

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City to face familiar foes in Premier League opener

Champions Manchester City will face Chelsea in their opening game of the 2024-25 Premier League season in what promises to be an interesting game. The match will pit both sides against each other after two entertaining draws in the league in the 2023-24 season.

On another note, Pep Guardiola will come up against his former number two, Enzo Maresca, who will be in charge of Chelsea from July 1. Former Leicester City boss Maresca worked as an assistant to Guardiola as the Cityzens won the treble in the 2022-23 season.

Chelsea and Manchester City also faced each other in the semi-final of the FA Cup at Wembley last season. Pep Guardiola's side claimed a narrow 1-0 win. They went on to lose the final to city rivals Manchester United, ending their hopes of a domestic double.

Both the Blues and Cityzens - particularly Maresca's side- will be keen to start the season well ahead of what promises to be an intense campaign. The Italian manager has a great deal to prove after taking the job at Stamford Bridge.