Manchester City's manager Applauds Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma as Incredible After Victory Over Brentford
Pep Guardiola was thankful that his squad boasts Erling Haaland scoring and Gianluigi Donnarumma preventing them, after a victory at Brentford's ground that came with another injury concern for the midfielder.
Haaland's Impressive Form
"I have an extraordinary forward and goalkeeper," remarked the coach, with Haaland's early goal turning out to be the decisive one. Haaland's recent performances are approaching the standards of the team's treble-winning campaign, as the No 9 has scored in nine straight games. "He's the best," added his boss. "In the year of the three trophies, he notched – what? – countless times? I think he's integrated now, he's comfortable. He believes now that it's his home."
The Keeper's Vital Intervention
On Donnarumma's decisive save from Igor Thiago, Guardiola stated: "This guy starts to perform at the top level at 17. When they told me he's 26 it's like he's had centuries playing football. His composure, his presence. With clubs who play good you face one piece of action and he did it today. One against one."
The Manager's Milestone Accomplishment
Guardiola achieved the personal milestone of two hundred and fifty English top-flight wins, surpassing Sir Alex Ferguson and Wenger in reaching that number in a record-breaking three hundred and forty-nine matches. "I'll invite them to a good dinner, perhaps not in Manchester, in a warmer place," he remarked of those legendary coaches. "Or in the city. It is an honor and a pleasure to be part of Premier League history. I say thanks to the club and the squad and the backroom team I had. We did it faster and sooner. Next we aim for another 250 matches."
The Midfielder's Fitness Setback
Regarding Rodri's muscle problem, the latest setback after a serious knee issue previously, the manager commented: "I would love to have him every three days but after one year it occurs all the time, it is very taxing. That is why we tried to be gentle, use him for 60-65 minutes but it can't continue."
The Opponent's Response
Keith Andrews, expressed satisfaction that his side got better after the visitors' opening period control to threaten until the full-time signal. "Our aim to do is unite a team as one, a club together, after numerous transitions," he said. "In my opinion it's growing. I think you could see that in the second half showing today against top-level opposition."
