Pep Guardiola: Claudio Bravo had 'one of best performances I've ever seen'

Published 10/09/2016 at 14:40 GMT

Pep Guardiola defended Claudio Bravo after Manchester City’s 2-1 derby win over Manchester United, claiming his goalkeeper produced one of the “best performances I’ve ever seen.”

Manchester City's Spanish midfielder David Silva (R), Manchester City's Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne

Image credit: AFP

City won at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and Kevin de Bruyne, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring in reply for Jose Mourinho’s side.

Bravo was at fault for the goal on his debut following his £15m move from Barcelona as he failed to collect a free-kick from the right and spilled the ball.

The Chilean looked uncertain throughout, made a number of mistakes and could have seen red for a challenge on Wayne Rooney as well.

Premier League

Exclusive: City need to 'find someone who can get goals' after De Bruyne injury - Ferdinand

15/08/2023 at 19:57

But Guardiola, who as coach of Barcelona and Bayern Munich has overseen some of the defining performances in European football over the past 10 years, says he was in awe of Bravo’s display.

“What Claudio did today was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen,” the City boss said to Sky Sports.

“I like the keepers to play in front, but after [the goal] he continued playing and that means a lot for me, the personality, because when you make a mistake it’s how you react.

“It was unlucky the situation, it sometimes happens, it’s football, but the reaction is more important for me.”

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), buteur contre Manchester United

Image credit: AFP

Guardiola sent Joe Hart on loan to Torino in order to recruit Bravo as he wanted a goalkeeper with better footballing technique. And the City manager saw some encouraging signs at Old Trafford in that regard.

“When you play good in the first half with the ball it’s for that reason, because you make this build up with Claudio,” he added.

“The build up is for the process, travel with the ball together and one of the reasons is Claudio, but also the defenders, especially Otamendi.

“Nico’s strong in the air, a character, but today was a lesson with the ball.”

Premier League