The Frenchman returned to training recently, following a lengthy lay-off caused by a knee injury, and is in contention for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg clash at Burton Albion.
Guardiola spoke highly of the charismatic defender, asserting Mendy’s influence off the pitch is as invaluable as his impact on it, and hopes the left-back can now kick on his progress to greatness.
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“I am delighted with Benjamin,” the manager stated. “I am sad because we were not able to play him because of injuries but that sometimes happens.
“The way he is training, the way he is in the locker room… you cannot imagine how much the people love him.
“I am delighted – I just want to use him more! That’s all.
“I am not unhappy with Mendy (regarding his social media usage). I am not here to change his mentality.
“His way, the way he lives… is what it is. When we bought him, we knew it.