The flying German winger scored his sixth goal of the season in the 2-0 win at Sunderland and was a constant threat throughout the game to the Black Cats’ defence and could have had more goals but for some fine goalkeeping.
“Every day, he is getting better,” said Pep. “He’s in very good physical condition. He’s just 21 and he still has things to improve on.
“He’s so smart, an intelligent guy, and he will improve. We are here, not just the staff, but his team-mates, to help him to become what he can be.
“He’s a fantastic player and he’s so fast. We are happy with his performance.”
DOUBLE TOPS: Leroy Sane extends City’s lead
The City boss admitted he was pleased with the win, but added he felt his players perhaps thought the game was won once the second goal went in – potentially allowing the hosts a route back into the game.
“We are so happy, we played good,” said Pep. “It was tough in the first few minutes, we expected them to be aggressive in terms of intensity and play.
“We scored a very good first goal to go in at half-time with a 1-0 lead which was completely different to draw or losing. In the second half, we played really good, but in the last 30 minutes, we didn’t play to score a goal.
“We played for control, which is good, but the last five or ten minutes, I don’t like to defend a result and be in our box.
ALL SMILES: The German celebrates after finding the target
“It can become impossible to defend because they are so dangerous from set-pieces or long balls into the box. The best way to defend a result is passing the ball around.
“You can do that with 3-0 or in the last five or ten minutes, but not in the last 30 minutes. That is what happened in the second half after the second goal.
“With 3-0, it’s another issue. With 4-0, it’s another issue. With 2-0, it’s too risky and if they score a goal, it doesn’t matter how many minutes are left because anything can happen so that is something we need to handle better.”
