RALPH Hasenhuttl has refused to disclose details of a post-match conversation he just had with Pep Guardiola but admitted: “He is for me the manager I respect most.”

Hasenhuttl’s Saints managed to hold on for a huge point in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City at St Mary’s, leaving the travelling contingent frustrated.

Kyle Walker-Peters had opened early on but it was City who, despite several golden Saints chances, looked like taking all three points by the close of play.

The Austrian has been vocal with his respect for Guardiola in the build-up to the fixture and was then engaged in intense conversation with him on the touchline some minutes after the stadium had emptied.

He would not reveal what was discussed when asked by the Daily Echo, saying: “That was fast, as I said before, he is for me the manager I respect most.

“I have a lot of respect for every manager but for what he does he is such a role model for a lot of things. Also for the respect he has when he loses games, this is what I like the most.”

He continued: “Obviously he wanted his team to win today but for us it was a super challenge and I like to play against him, even if you lose most times.

“It is super challenging and it makes you better as a manager, this is for sure. No I can’t say what I said to him, but everything is good.”