Pep Guardiola is determined to see his young players shine in the world of football at City. The squad is filled with ambitious and talented young players, some from the academy like Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb, and others signed from the transfer market like Jeremy Doku and Josko Gvardiol.
Guardiola emphasized the importance of working with young, aspiring players, both from a footballing and financial perspective. He expressed, “It’s a key point. When you have changes, their age is important. We can make one signing like Mateo [Kovacic], but the other ones always we try to bring young, young, young players to make his career, to start his career and make his name in world football here.”
The manager stressed the significance of nurturing young talent, highlighting the financial and sporting benefits it brings. He mentioned, “These types of players are really important. They are here training sessions, game by game, season on season and at the end they will feel ‘I can be here’ and this is incredible value for us.”
Guardiola also praised Rico Lewis, an 18-year-old player who has already made a mark in the team. He commended Lewis for his exceptional performance, stating, “If he was a little bit taller he would be considered one of the best players in the Premier League. He is an exceptional, exceptional player.”
The manager expressed his satisfaction with Lewis’s progress, saying, “He’s played at a high standard in all departments – defensively, offensively. He understands the game, the movements. He already is a regular in many moments. So we are really pleased.”
Looking ahead, City recently secured a comfortable 3-0 Champions League victory over Young Boys, ensuring their progress to the knockout phases for the 11th consecutive season. Guardiola was thrilled with the achievement but cautioned against complacency, stating, “I said to the players to celebrate it because one day maybe we are not there. If we stop to do what we have to do, maybe the opponents are better than us and [we] will not be there.”
He emphasized the need to maintain perspective and avoid becoming complacent, acknowledging that challenges can arise even for a successful club like City. With this mindset, Guardiola aims to continue nurturing young talent and maintaining the team’s competitive edge.