Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola have developed a personal and professional relationship over the last year.
Mazzulla visited Manchester City FC last February during the NBA’s All-Star break; since then, the pair have grown close.
Guardiola attended Game 1 of the NBA Finals between Boston and the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden in June. Both coaches were seen speaking together at mid-court before the game, which the Celtics won 107-89. Guardiola sat courtside for the contest, wearing a Celtics shirt.
Mazzulla didn’t go into much detail about the conversation and their friendship at the time, but it was clear that the Boston coach was learning from the soccer coaching legend.