“He’s adorable” – Pep Guardiola believes in Manchester City midfielder more than the player himself | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has claimed that he believes one Manchester City starlet can operate at the very highest level for his team more than the player himself.

The Premier League champions cruised to victory in the Slovakian city of Bratislava on Tuesday night to claim their first goals and three points of the new league phase format of the UEFA Champions League.

First-half goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden were followed up by second-half efforts from Erling Haaland and the returning James McAtee, following successive loan spells at Sheffield United in the last two seasons.

McAtee has come to terms with the fact that being surrounding by world class players may be the best for his personal development within the game, even if first-team opportunities and match action is reduced.

However, reflecting on an excellent night’s work on matchday two of the Champions League, Pep Guardiola was keen to praise the performance of McAtee in a new role undertaken by the 21-year-old compared to his two spells away from the Etihad Stadium on loan.

“All of us, we’re so happy for him! He’s adorable, all the guys love him,” said Guardiola. “Listen, there are a lot of games, a lot, and everybody will make a good contribution. And McAtee moves really well in small spaces, made a fantastic goal, had another chance (to score).”

“For him, it will be a good boost, (to say to himself), ‘I’m part of that!’ We want to make him feel you are part of that group, and you are able to play without a doubt. Sometimes it looks like I have more confidence in him than himself. And hopefully today can help him in that.”

Continuing during his post-match press conference, Pep Guardiola reaffirmed, “He’s adorable and everyone, you see the reaction of the players, loves him so much!

“I have the feeling I had in the beginning; he’s a player with teams that play so, so deep, he has the quality to find and score a goal, and he had two or three more chances. He has this special ability, and always I had the feeling that I believe more that he can play here than himself.

“Hopefully that minutes can help to know you’re a part of that. Of course he’s not a regular player and will not be this season, but in a lot of games he’s going to help and as much as he plays like today, always I can count on him. I have the feeling we can count on him perfectly.”

It remains to be seen whether McAtee could be more heavily involved in Premier League action for the reigning champions this season, but the Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Tottenham at the end of October will no doubt be eyed as another starting opportunity.

Pep Guardiola has already confirmed that he will continue to heavily rotate his squad in the League Cup as he looks to prioritise Manchester City’s pursuits of Premier League and Champions League glory.