The boss also revealed that the German is in line to play against the Robins in the fifth round.
Since signing from Arminia Bielefeld in the summer of 2022, Ortega Moreno’s seven appearance have all come in cup competitions, as he continues to offer a strong alternative to Ederson.
Across those outings, however, he has impressed immensely – keeping four clean sheets and helping us progress into knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, the Carabao Cup quarter-final and into the next stage of the FA Cup.
And Guardiola hailed the 30-year-old’s ability ahead of our visit to Ashton Gate on Tuesday 28 February.
“Yes [he’ll play]. [He’s pushing Ederson] a lot. A lot,” the boss said.
“The way he’s played in Carabao Cup and FA Cup so far. Even in the Champions League when he played against Dortmund.
“We were qualified but fighting for the first position. He’s an exceptional goalkeeper. Exceptional.”
While Ortega Moreno has deputised excellently in cup competitions this season, Ederson has played all of City’s Premier League games – while featuring five times in the Champions League.
This has raised his total City appearances to 272 in all competitions – as he closes in on 100 clean sheets for the Club (currently on 99).
But Guardiola has been encouraged by the battle between the Brazilian and German for first choice supremacy in training.
The boss added: He’s [Ederson] another exceptional goalkeeper, I have no doubts.
“The reality is now we have another keeper pushing to him like never before. In terms of what they have done so far in the build up with the group.
“He’s a typical German goalkeeper, they stay up. Makes incredible handball movements. He’s a really, really good keeper.
“But Ederson is a really important figure on and off the pitch and everything like that.”
Watch the second part of Guardiola’s pre–Bristol City press conference above!
