Antonio Conte's impact at Chelsea has not been truly appreciated, according to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
The two managers meet at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday with Guardiola's City 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League and highly likely to succeed Chelsea as Premier League champions.
But despite winning the crown in his first season, Conte's future at Stamford Bridge is in doubt with speculation that he is facing the sack.
"What Antonio has done here [in England] maybe the people don't realise," Guardiola told a news conference.
"He introduced another way to attack and another system. A lot of teams, even Arsenal, imitate him.
"Tactically he is a master. He did it amazingly with the international team with Italy and with Juventus in Turin. I think Conte has given something to English football, I am pretty sure of that."
Former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is among the coaches being linked with potentially taking over as manager.
While Guardiola hopes that Conte remains in the job, he has no doubts that Enrique would be a success in England.
"Antonio is the manager but [Enrique] has the level to train everywhere, no problem at all," he said.
"Luis Enruqie is one of the best, best, best mangers I ever saw. The way his team's play, I know him, he's a good friend of mine, I know he can do whatever he wants."
City need just five victories to be certain of becoming champions, while Chelsea need a win for their hopes of securing a Champions League place for next season.
Guardiola's side finished 15 points behind the champions last season but are already 22 points ahead in an incredible turnaround of form.
"If you asked me [about the gap] at the beginning of the season then yes [I would be surprised]," the City boss added. "But we did well and dropped few points that's why.
"It's March and we have a lot of points that's why it's that gap. I think Tottenham, United, Liverpool and Chelsea were good but why we have more points is because we did it really well."