Guardiola ‘proud’ of City youngsters after Bayern Munich triumph

Guardiola ‘proud’ of City youngsters after Bayern Munich triumph

Pep Guardiola says he is ‘proud’ of his Manchester City youngster’s after their hard fought victory over Bayern Munich in pre-season.

Starting with six teenagers, City fought back from two goals down in Miami to beat Guardiola’s former side 3-2 at the Hard Rock Stadium.


Bayern were 2-0 ahead inside 25 minutes, Meritan Shabani heading the first goal before Arjen Robben doubled the German’s lead.

However a second half brace from Bernardo Silva – who replaced the injured Riyad Mahrez in the first half – and a strike from striker Lukas Nmecha sealed a memorable victory for Guardiola’s young side.

“You cannot imagine how much I have enjoyed these ten days with these guys. They are starving to become football players – they are hungry,” said Pep of his youngsters following the victory.


“When I say something, they open their eyes and listen to you. They have to make their career and we are here to help them. I told them: if all the guys here in training every single day are curious to know what happens, I will say thank you.

“Guys who don’t care, I don’t say thank you to. They did it – they are 17, 18, 19-year-old and what they have done and the way they have played makes me so happy to be the manager. It is a huge experience for them.

“We will see if they will step up and the physical conditions of those coming back. I saw many good things, but I will not say names. At that age, it can be something that confuses.”

The Spaniard was especially full of praise for midfielder Phil Foden, who has been one of the club’s star players in pre-season, and again was a stand-out performer versus Bayern.

“I am happy for Phil Foden – he had an outstanding game today. Previously, it was not his perfect performance, but he did it tonight. When he does not play well, he is a fighter – he has the English mentality to not give up.”