Pep Guardiola hailed Joao Cancelo’s ‘incredible quality’, as he praised his makeshift defensive backline after Saturday’s victory over Crystal Palace.
City returned to winning ways with a 2-0 triumph at Selhurst Park, as Gabriel Jesus and David Silva struck two quickfire goals.
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With key members of the backline sidelined through injury, the manager opted to field midfielders Fernandinho and Rodrigo in central defence – a move which proved successful – and Guardiola was pleased with his defensive charges, who preserved a vital clean sheet.
“Because we won, we can do it!” Guardiola joked with journalists. “I said it was an option.
“When Aymeric Laporte and John Stones were out, I said Rodrigo could play there.
“We decided to do it – to have more midfield players on the pitch.
“They can do it. I don’t know what will happen in the future but we have alternatives.
“It was Joao Cancelo’s first game away in the Premier League. It is not the same as playing at the Etihad Stadium.
“He was aggressive and with the ball, he has incredible quality.
“Benjamin Mendy as well. He was injured for a long time. Hopefully, he can stay (fit) because he has a special quality.”
Watch part two of Pep’s Crystal Palace v City post-match press conference in the video above...
