Derby County boss Frank Lampard heaped praise on his opposite number after his side all but ended Bristol City's play-off hopes.
The Robins slipped to their second consecutive 2-0 defeat at Ashton Gate as the Rams went some way to consolidating sixth place.
Goals either side of half-time from Tom Lawrence and Omar Bogle and a red card for substitute Antoine Semenyo effectively ended Bristol City's Premier League dreams for another season at least.
Speaking after his side's first win away from home in 2019, Lampard was quick to express his admiration for Bristol City and their boss Lee Johnson.
"I think he's a fantastic manager, the way his teams play I love," said the Chelsea legend.
"When I watched them play Man City last year in the cup run I really sat up and took notice, as did a lot of people to how he works, the personality he has, how he wants his team to play.
"I like them [Bristol City], they're aggressive, they can play all types of games, they can play through midfield with quality, they can play long and direct and have a fight with you if they want, so what a great progression in his team.
"And he's young, so everything's in front of Lee."
City youngster Semenyo was dismissed after a lunge on Tom Huddleston - a decision that angered Lee Johnson.
Lampard said he sympathised with both manager and player.
"I sympathise players because I know that in quick moments you don't mean that high challenge. That's enthusiasm to do the right thing, to put your foot in and make tackles," he said.
"I sympathise with the player and I sympathise with Lee Johnson because when you're in the moment you feel that one could have gone either way, so it's a horrible feeling."
He added: "It's a big win against a very good team, with a very good manager who were obviously a point behind us so it was a massive win for us today.
Bristol City's play-off hopes left in tatters after Derby County smash and grab win
"I spoke a lot to the players before the game about wanting to win this game more than them, and we didn't obviously want it more than them, they're a very honest team, but I have to feel like my players want it more.
"I see it now that we need four points. Middlesbrough have a game, we have to expect that they'll win that even though it's a really tough game and we go to Swansea in the week with that in mind."
