Savinho
In a recent match against Sunderland, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola highlighted the progress of Brazilian player Savinho, despite previous frustrations with his performance. Guardiola emphasized the importance of teamwork and discipline, noting that Savinho’s recent display off the bench contributed to one of the team’s best performances of the season. The manager’s comments come after Savinho faced criticism for his attitude during a game against Fulham, where he failed to adhere to tactical instructions.
Pep Guardiola said: “Rayan has always played in his career better than all his mates from 12, 13, 14, 15 years old, and I have the feeling he has done whatever he wants. Here, he has to do what he has to do for the team and when he is able to do it he will play a lot of minutes for many years at this club because he has special quality – but he has to do it. Maybe he has realised when he hasn’t played much, on the bench, maybe he has to realise that it is so important to do it. There was an action in Fulham when Savinho went and crossed for Erling to head onto the post and continued, and he didn’t run back. He was there, and I told him. Today he lost one or two balls and in two seconds he was a full-back. Savinho is going to play a lot of minutes. They know the secret of the team and after the quality of Savinho and the quality of Rayan I don’t care, but they have do the things to make the team stable and try and try. That’s why Bernardo runs all the time, and Phil runs all the time, and Jeremy is improving a lot. That is the key. Today, I was incredibly pleased for the 15-20 minutes of Savinho. Two actions where he lost the ball he was a machine. He doesn’t like to listen but I had to tell him. Because the incredible cross [at Fulham] could have been 6-2 or 6-3 but we lost the ball and you have to work. Today he has done it three times like a machine. Savinho is going to play a lot of minutes. He’s going to play with us.”
Guardiola’s remarks underscore the need for young talents like Savinho to align their individual skills with the team’s strategic goals. The manager’s insistence on discipline and teamwork reflects his broader philosophy that individual brilliance must be coupled with a commitment to the team’s success. Savinho’s recent performance suggests that he is beginning to embrace these values, as evidenced by his quick defensive recovery during the Sunderland match. This development is crucial for his future at Manchester City, where Guardiola envisions him playing a significant role if he continues to adapt and grow.
About The Author
