Pep Guardiola has sought to explain Manchester City’s decision process behind loaning out youngsters, amid reports that Borussia Dortmund are interested in Cole Palmer.
Pep Guardiola said: “It’s important to have rivalry, to see if he’s [Mbete] ready to play with us. Some players on loan, like Macca [James McAtee] and Liam Delap, it’s important for them to play regularly many many game. Because of the competition in their position, maybe it’s better as a club, for the players, to realise if they are able to play with us [by going on loan] because the gap between the academy and first team is so big.”
However, Guardiola confirmed that Palmer will not be leaving the club this season and will be a member of his first team squad this season.
Pep Guardiola added: “Cole isn’t going to happen [go on loan] because we can’t loan him. He is one step forward from the other ones [academy players]. I think the other guys could play with us but we decide in that position sometimes loan, sometimes [stay] here but if he is with us it is because he has a special quality. Unfortunately last season he was injured and now he feels good and he played really good in Barcelona. He is a player who can play with us and play in two or three different positions.”
Pep Guardiola insists Bernardo Silva will definitely stay at Manchester City this week, despite continued interest from Barcelona, as he called the Portuguese ‘irreplaceable’ to his squad.
Pep Guardiola said: “I was clear yesterday [Friday]. He’s going to stay. I had the feeling the games that we expect the teams to defend so deep because the manager said that. Julian, Gundo and Erling would have to be so important because we had the feeling of the tempo of the goal. Phil [Foden] as well has this talent. I’m happy that today Bernardo become a winning player. All the highlights will be for Erling but we cannot forget what Bernardo has done today. Scoring the goal and creating on the right side in the second half. Incredible weapons with Kevin [De Bruyne] and the second goal come from him too. What I’m amazed about Bernardo is the fact that when the game is going wrong he makes steps forward. He loves to play in the games like this situation. A few players make a step backwards and he makes a step forward. That’s why Bernardo is irreplaceable with many things for us. He’s so important for us Bernardo, can play in three, four or five positions. It’s not just what he is on the pitch, it’s off the pitch, the happiness in the locker room. I want him so much.”
