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SOCCER

Pep Guardiola picks out “extraordinary” Barcelona youngster

The Manchester City manager was full of praise for Hansi Flick’s team and said that they had a successful future ahead.

The Manchester City manager was full of praise for Hansi Flick’s team and said that they had a successful future ahead.
CHANDAN KHANNAAFP

When Manchester City went up against Barcelona in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, Pep Guardiola knew perfectly well that he was going to face a crop of young players with a lot of talent and a desire to kick down the door to the first team. Therefore, he wasn’t surprised by the display from these youngsters tonight against his team, although he admitted that one of the kids, who’s 17-year-old, impressed him more than others.

Bernal catches Guardiola eye

“I liked the young players a lot. Marc Bernal was extraordinary to me, the way he controls, the way he plays. But all of them played incredibly well, they do things very well, they know when to run, when to press, when to anticipate. I wish them all the best.”

The City coach was convinced that new Barça manager Hansi Flick had the resources to achieve something great this season.

“They are going to have a very good season. They have young players with a lot of talent. They are extraordinary players. It’s incredible the talent they have and what they do on the field, how easily they do it at their age. For me, it’s not a surprise because I know very well how well they work with the youth system at that club.”

Keeping tabs | Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks on against Barcelona at Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida.
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Keeping tabs | Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks on against Barcelona at Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida.RICH STORRYAFP

Guardiola not concerned about pre-season

Pep also highlighted the fact that at big clubs, sometimes the lack of patience and the demand for results force you to sacrifice youth and talent for other characteristics:

“At City or Barcelona, there are no trials. You have to win every day. It’s the demand you have to assume from day one if you’re at this level.”

And he didn’t want to draw any major conclusions after losing his third consecutive preseason friendly.

“I prefer not to think about the absences I have because they are still on vacation. I’ve learned it little by little. I’m not going to complain.”

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