Guardiola: two top keepers crucial for success

Pep Guardiola emphasizes the importance of having a world-class goalkeeper, along with a capable backup who can step in seamlessly, for his team’s success.

Ederson has been instrumental in Manchester City’s achievements and style of play since joining the club in 2017, amassing 332 appearances and securing 16 trophies.

However, the Brazilian keeper has faced several injuries this season, most recently suffering a small fracture of the eye socket during the 2-0 victory over Spurs midweek.

In Ederson’s absence, Stefan Ortega Moreno has filled in admirably.

According to official website of Manchester City , Guardiola highlighted the necessity of having two top-quality goalkeepers, especially given this season’s challenges.

“People talk about the incredible save from Stefan (against Son) many times and it was,” said Guardiola. “But Eddie has done it before with Son and the same action and saved it. Do you know the reason why we won the Champions League last season? It was Ederson. He made an incredible save against Madrid from the header from Benzema. In the final of the Champions League, he was the key player and the key to win.”

“We cannot define this period without Eddie. It is impossible. It’s been a strange season for him – four setbacks, four times injured – a keeper four times, with incredible knocks, I’ve never seen that.”

“Today in modern football you need two proper, proper keepers. Before it was clear the first keeper and the second keeper, the distance was so big.”

“And of course everybody knows, the team knows, they both know that Ederson is the first keeper, but the distance is not. Because you need it.”

“There are a lot of games, you have injuries, and you have to have the second good, good keeper like you have four central defenders top-class. You have to have two or three very good keepers otherwise when the distance is too big the team cannot compete.”

Guardiola also expressed his confidence that Premier League Player of the Season Phil Foden can still elevate his game.

He noted that Foden has shown moments of brilliance in past seasons, but he is now consistently delivering and can further improve by refining certain aspects of his game.

“Obviously he has made a step forward as a football player in terms of minutes and in being decisive in winning games,” said the boss. “Maybe before it was a glimpse of action, but now he’s consistent. That is the truth. But still he has a margin.”

“Sometimes his game is excited, and you have to be more calm because of the excitement he has. It’s a question of time.”

“But he has been really, really important.”

“I have a feeling he can be better. He can do it because as I said many times he loves football, he enjoys to be on the pitch, and I have the feeling he doesn’t like it when we have a day off. He likes to be in training sessions. He still can be better.”

Looking ahead to next season, Guardiola was asked about potential player transfers.

“Next season? I don’t know about next season. We have to see how we finish,” he said. “Sometimes the decision depends on how we finish the season. The players have done a good season already. Nothing will change that, but we have to wait.”

“Now I’m not thinking one second about next season. Because it’s West Ham, four players up front who can create something. Kudus is an exceptional player. Bowen for many years and Antonio, when he’s fit, is unbelievable. Paqueta is a top-class player in that he can do many things.”

“That’s why. All four from nothing they can do something unique and special. That is my only concern right now.”

“Next season will be next season.”