Pep Guardiola has singled out Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis for praise after Manchester City’s win over Leeds on Wednesday night.
Jack Grealish set up two goals in Man City’s win over Leeds (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
City eased to a 3-1 win at Elland Road in their first league game since the end of the World Cup, with Erling Haaland bagging a second-half brace after Rodri had opened the scoring just before the break.
While Haaland’s two goals broke another Premier League record and rightly grabbed the headlines, Guardiola was keen to highlight the performances of two different players.
Grealish had a mixed game, missing three big chances in the first-half before setting up both of Haaland’s strikes in the second.
The England international has received much criticism for his lack of goals and assists since joining the Citizens in a record-breaking transfer but his manager was more than satisfied with his work against Leeds, though was disappointed that he wasn’t able to find the back of the net.
‘Grealish gave two brilliant assists. When we can rest the ball with Jack and Riyad [Mahrez], it gives us the right tempo,’ the City boss told Amazon Prime.
‘But of course, we have to score goals. When the chances are there, it’s important. It’s a mental question.
Rico Lewis started his first Premier League game on Wednesday (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
‘We know from training sessions that he has the ability to put the ball in the net. Of course he’s not a striker, but he has the quality to do it.
‘He just has to say “I’m going to score” – there’s no negativity in his mind. When that happens, he is going to score goals.
‘He has to be more ambitious, he has to score more goals and be competitive.’
Guardiola also highlighted the role of 18-year-old right-back Lewis who was surprisingly named in the starting XI despite both Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo being available.
It was Lewis’ first Premier League start and he was hugely impressive with Leeds only scoring and looking threatening after he was subbed off in the 68th minute.
Guardiola added: ‘Without Rico, what we do would be impossible. Defensively, he is so smart, understands the game and is so clever.
‘That’s why he helps us to do our dynamics so much better. He has played really, really well. He’s an absolute reality for us.
‘Again, against Chelsea and Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, and today in Elland Road, wow. Played really, really well.’
Haaland ‘not at his best’: Guardiola
In terrifying news for the rest of the Premier League, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola claims Erling Haaland is still not back to his best after injury, despite the Norwegian scoring twice in City’s 3-1 win at Leeds.
Erling Haaland is not yet back to his full devastating best, Man City manager Pep Guardiola says. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AP
Haaland struck two second-half goals after Rodri had given City the lead in first-half stoppage time.
Norway striker Haaland has now scored 26 goals in 20 appearances for City in all competitions since his summer switch from Dortmund, including 20 in 14 top-flight appearances.
“He misses chances, but the numbers are exceptional,” Guardiola, whose side moved back up to second and closed the gap on leaders Arsenal to five points, said.
“He’s an incredible threat for us and always in the right position at the right time.
“He is still not at his best because of the injury – to move his huge body is not easy for him, but as much as he can play minutes, (he) will be better.”
Guardiola said Haaland, who joined City from Borussia Dortmund for Stg 52.1 million ($A93m) in June, has not fully recovered from a foot injury sustained in his side’s goalless Champions League draw against his former club in October.
“I have the feeling he is not at his best,” Guardiola said.
“It is a matter of time … Of course we are delighted, but (without) that little (bit of extra) pace he had at the beginning of the season, he struggles a little bit.
“I am still more than satisfied, but the first part of the season he was sharper. He is getting better, incredible professional. He takes care of his body and mind.”
Leeds boss Jesse Marsch spent time in charge of Haaland during his spell in charge of RB Salzburg and has seen the 22-year-old develop into one of the world’s leading strikers.
“I’m just really happy for him,” Marsch said.
“In some ways, watching him score is painful. I want him in a different kit.
“But when you know some of these young men and you see their qualities as people, you want them to be their best – just not against you.”
SOURCE: metro.co.uk
