During the NBA’s All-Star break, Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla took the opportunity to seek inspiration from renowned soccer manager Pep Guardiola and the players of Manchester City. Mazzulla attended Manchester City’s Premier League match against Chelsea and later had the chance to meet Guardiola at the team’s training ground.

The exchange between Mazzulla and Guardiola involved swapping Celtics and City jerseys, symbolizing the mutual respect between the two coaches. Mazzulla also had the opportunity to observe one of City’s practice sessions and engage in conversations with the players.

Guardiola revealed that he and Mazzulla had been in contact prior to the visit, expressing Mazzulla’s interest in attending a game during his spare time in the NBA schedule. The Celtics head coach, accompanied by his family, enjoyed a few days in London before returning to his coaching duties in Massachusetts.

With the Celtics leading the Eastern Conference with an impressive 43-12 record, Mazzulla aims to guide his team to their first NBA championship. Their next game is scheduled against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.

Mazzulla assumed the role of Celtics coach in September 2022, initially serving as an interim coach before taking on the position permanently.