Zeman, though currently unattached, is highly regarded within the game for his attacking approach and willingness to use younger players in his teams.
He was speaking at a coaches conference in Lucca when he explained his thoughts.
“When [Guardiola] was at Barcelona, I did not think he was a good coach,” he revealed.
“Then I saw Bayern Munich this year and changed my mind. Bayern do not play exactly like Barcelona, and I realised he is the best coach around today.”
The former Pescara tactician also shed light on a few of the problems he had experienced while coaching, most notably during his time with Roma.
“Aldair was not convinced of defending zonally on free-kicks and corner kicks,” the 67 year old indicated. “Then, in the first match, on the first corner, he chose to defend a man. The opponents scored.”
Zeman has long been a fan of the way Bayern Munich play football, suggesting to the Gazzetta dello Sport during Jupp Heynckes’ reign at the club that the veteran was his favourite coach.