City face the Portuguese outfit in the Champions League last 16 with a two-legged tie: the first a trip to Lisbon on Tuesday 15 February.
Speaking to the media ahead of the clash, Guardiola spoke of his admiration for the team spirit in the opposition camp.
With his side having faced Porto in our 2020/21 European campaign, the City boss also warned of the threat Portuguese sides pose, as last year’s Finalists look to go one better this year.
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“Portugal always had an incredible competitive league,” he said. “We fought against Porto last season and we realised how strong they are and the other teams.
“They have incredible recruitment in Portugal or Brazil. They are so competitive and that is why the biggest talents go to other leagues.
“What I have seen from Sporting is togetherness. The relationship between the manager and the team is there. The manager is being fought for by his players. This is the most important thing.
“They have incredible runners and attack in behind. They were Champions last year for the first time in many years because they are a really good team.
“They came through the group stage against Ajax and Dortmund, who are a club who have got to quarter and semi-finals and once in the final. They beat them because they are good.
“Watching them recently, I was really impressed with how good they are.”
Hear what Pep had to say in the video above...
City host Sporting in the second leg of our last 16 tie on Wednesday 9 March. Don’t miss out on the chance to cheer Pep Guardiola’s men onto the quarter-finals. Get your tickets now.
