Pep Guardiola expects Albion to secure safety – and then progress under Graham Potter.

But he has warned the process will require some patience.

Guardiola has seen his Manchester City side beat the Seagulls 4-0 and 5-0 this term.

But he will expect a bigger test next season.

Guradiola said: “It is the first season for Graham. The manager will need time.

“Graham is one of the best English managers I have met in the country with all respect to the other ones.

“He is and will be a successful manager because I have noticed how he is as a human being and as a manager.

“I am a big fan of the managers who try to play their own way and not just wait for circumstances or one moment to win the game.

“But sometimes you need more time because the way he wants to try to play is attractive, is seductive but it’s not easy.

“I’m pretty sure next season if the club follow him, he is going to build.

“I am speaking of this because I saw when he was at Swansea, when we were nearly knocked out of the FA Cup.

“I knew when I saw his team play against Arsenal in the Europa League and the way his team played.

“I admire these guys with maybe not the best players like the lucky managers like I am, to have exceptional players in my hands.

“He tries to do what he has to do.

“I wish him all the best.

“I am pretty sure next season he will be in the Premier League and next season will be better for him and for Brighton.”