Pep Guardiola hails progress of Josko Gvardiol after Manchester City’s commanding win
Pep Guardiola showered praise on Josko Gvardiol following Manchester City’s commanding 4-0 victory against Fulham, declaring the young Croatian’s successful adaptation to the rigors of the Premier League.
Gvardiol’s stellar performance, marked by a brace, propelled City to the top of the table momentarily, setting up a thrilling title race climax.
Asked if he had noticed Gvardiol’s confidence grow throughout his debut season, the City manager said: “Of course, definitely.
“You can’t forget that he came to the Premier League at 21 years old, so I say it’s not easy to handle it. He was struggling a bit, we had just won the treble and he was a little bit shy.
“He’s now proving to himself that he can do it and play with us.”
At just 22 years old, Gvardiol’s journey in the English top-flight hasn’t been devoid of challenges. Guardiola acknowledged the initial struggles of the defender, notably amidst City’s triumphant campaign in the previous season.
However, the manager lauded Gvardiol’s burgeoning confidence and his ability to excel in City’s ranks.
Guardiola’s admiration extended beyond Gvardiol, as he also commended Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva for his instrumental role in the victory.
Silva’s adeptness in orchestrating City’s midfield play and his pivotal contributions in setting up goals showcased his immense value to the team.
Tactically, Guardiola’s decision to deploy four center-backs across the backline paid dividends, stifling Fulham’s attacking threat led by Rodrigo Muniz.
Fulham head coach Marco Silva acknowledged City’s dominance, highlighting their ability to dictate the tempo and drain opponents’ energy through prolonged spells of possession.
As the title race reaches its climax, Guardiola’s praise for Gvardiol serves as a testament to City’s strength in nurturing young talent and integrating them into their formidable squad.
With a crucial game against Tottenham looming, Guardiola’s faith in Gvardiol’s ability underscores City’s determination to clinch the Premier League crown.
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