Savinho, a summer signing from sister club Troyes, impressed in a cameo in the Community Shield triumph over Manchester United.
That performance earned him a place in the first XI for City’s 2024/25’s Premier League curtain-raiser at Stamford Bridge.
The boss was certainly happy with what he saw from the winger during his 45 minutes on the pitch in the capital.
And he revealed that he thinks the issue that led to his substitution at half-time isn’t a major one.
“I always expect the best,” the manager told the media post-match.
“For his first game, with 90% of pre-season with Academy players, his first impact was really good.
CHELSEA V CITY | MATCH GALLERY
“He did it and it means a lot.
“First game in England, in Stamford Bridge, to perform that well, it sends a message that he has the personality to be a top player.”
The 20-year-old was replaced by Phil Foden at half-time after struggling with his knee in the latter stages of the first period.
Guardiola calmed any concern about the injury, saying it was ‘not a big problem’.
“Some disturbance in the knee,” the boss added.
“He said he knows it from the past. He knows how to solve it.
“It’s a little bit about the lack of preparation. It’s not a big problem.”
Watch the manager’s press conference in the video player above.
