SHAKHTAR 0-3 CITY: PEP’S POST-MATCH THOUGHTS
Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Riyad Mahrez, who scored City’s opener in Kharkiv, and Fernandinho, who played at centre-half and excelled.
Mahrez was a constant threat with his pace and trickery, while Fernandinho demonstrated defensive quality and a superb range of passing
“I think last season when he played, he played good, but this season he is more regularly and his performances have been top,” he said.
“He helps with defending and has been doing both, same with Sterling.
“It’s a pleasure to watch.”
REPORT | Shakhtar 0-3 City
READ | Arteta: City on track in Champions League
City were dominant throughout, putting Saturday’s defeat to Norwich firmly behind us with a superb display that got our Champions League Group C campaign off to a flyer.
Gundogan scored the second - a fine finish under pressure after beautifully collecting Mahrez’s pass - and was the orchestrator of our best moments throughout.
And Guardiola, who made the German his first signing when taking over at City in the summer of 2016, says he is quality player who commands the respect of everyone in the dressing room.
“The important thing is the credit he has from all of us, he is an exceptional player,” Guardiola said.
“He knows how good he has to play because there are many in that position.
“In centre-back we have many injuries but in that position we have many players. He had seven months out in first year but now I am so satisfied and people can start to look at what he’s done over recent months for this club.
“We couldn’t have won Premier League the way that we did it without him, especially when he plays in three positions.
“Outstanding performance from Ilkay today.”
Guardiola was clearly impressed.
