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City gaffer Guardiola tipped the young Spaniard, who arrived from Porto, to fill in the big shoes left by his experienced compatriot in the middle of the park.
Nico Gonzales. (X)
Premier League champions Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola lauded the side’s efforts in roping in Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez from FC Porto earlier in the week during the recently shut winter transfer window, for a fee reported around the 60m Pound Serling mark.
Guardiola finds himself in unusual territory as the holders stand fifth in the PL table, 15 points off the pace from league leaders Liverpool. A large part of the side’s slump could be attributed to the absence of Balon d’Or winner Rodri due to a long-term injury and the City gaffer tipped the young Spaniard to fill in the big shoes left by his experienced compatriot in the middle of the park.
“Really important! It’s a position where we were weak after the absence from Rodri,” Guardiola began.
The Spanish tactician went on to list the attributes of the new recruit, who spent his formative years at Barcelona’s academy. Gonzalez’s father, Fran, worked as an assistant to Guardiola at City.
“A young player, 23 years old, can play number six and number eight, more in the pockets,” the 54-year-old said.
“Physicality – he’s a strong young boy,” the City boss beamed.
“I know him from the Barcelona academy and his father was working here,” Guardiol added.
“I’m really pleased with the effort of the club to bring him here for the next years,” the Spaniard expressed delight.
City have managed to tally 41 points from 23 outings this campaign and stand behind Liverpool, second-placed Arsenal, surprise third Nottingham and fourth-placed Chelsea.
City managed to make it to the play-off of the revamped UEFA Champions League for a shot at a round-of-16 berth, and the English champions will take on UCL holders Real Madrid in the blockbuster tie. City have included Rodri in the matchday squad for the high-profile fixture, but his match fitness might be another subject altogether.
City are slated to take on League One outfit Leyton Orient in the FA Cup, and Guardiola stressed the essence of cup ties reflecting on his side’s early exit from the same at the hands of Wigan back in the year 2018.
“Always we have problems away in this competition in the FA Cup or Carabao Cup against teams from the Championship, League One, League Two we struggle,” he added.
“Every game is an opportunity,” the coach concluded.
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