“What is he doing?!” – Two Manchester City stars overruled Pep Guardiola’s tactical shape against Chelsea | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has revealed that two of his players overruled his initial tactical set-up against Chelsea on Sunday, only to work wonders for the overall team performance.

Manchester City’s Premier League opener against Enzo Maresca’s squad was widely expected to be the moment Oscar Bobb firmly showcased his fine talents at the very highest level of competitive football following an impressive pre-season period.

But with the Norwegian’s freak bone fracture injury in training ruling the 21-year-old out for up to four months, Pep Guardiola was forced into handing a full Premier League debut to Savinho, who certainly did not let his coach down at the first opportunity to impress.

But the Brazilian was utilised originally on the left of the front-three, paired with Jeremy Doku on the right, as Guardiola hoped to see runs to the by-line and service into the penalty area for the awaiting Erling Haaland.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the contest, Pep Guardiola was quizzed on the decision that saw Doku and Savinho switch wings after just 15 minutes, placing each player on their more favoured sides of the attacking threat.

“I know that Savio likes to play on the right, and Doku left. And normally what happens is I have to put Savio right, and Doku left,” Guardiola said. “But I wanted players who go to attack more to the by-line; (Doku) right and (Savio) left.”

Guardiola continued, “The secret is then (when they switched) they decided, I didn’t say anything. In certain points, Doku over there (on the right), I said to Juanma (Lillo, assistant coach), ‘What is he doing?!’

“And they changed, and after they started to play good. So that’s why I learn that I have to put the players in positions that maybe they’re comfortable.”

The success of the two players in their positions throughout the remainder of the contest against Chelsea will no doubt give Pep Guardiola plenty to think about when it comes to future selections this season in the absence of Oscar Bobb.

Savinho was unfortunate to be struck down with a knee injury in the first-half against Chelsea and was withdrawn at the half-time interval at Stamford Bridge, but Pep Guardiola expects the 20-year-old to be back in contention for the next contest against Ipswich Town.

The Premier League newcomers will be the opponents for Manchester City as they return to Etihad Stadium duties for the first time since winning the Premier League title in front of their home support against West Ham on the final day of the last campaign.