Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar has stated his admiration for Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
The Spaniard had reserved special praise for the 20-year-old after his performance for Lyon in the 2-2 draw against City last month, and the midfielder decided to repay the compliment:
“Yes, for me he [Pep Guardiola] is a fascinating coach of conviction, motivation. He’s a coach who does what he wants. We have a common way of seeing football. I share his view and the way his teams play. It’d be nice to be coached by a manager like him.”
Some fans on Twitter believe it could mean Aouar is on his way to the Etihad:
Its a done deal then
— Pemerhati Buah DURIAN (@LORD_salty57) 10 December 2018
We need him… He loves Pep so much
— Cityzen (@iamacityzen) 11 December 2018
Come to City them ?
— Dave Collins (@dcoll1234_dave) 11 December 2018
You are welcome to City….
— BTB Balaq The Black (@btbbalaq) 11 December 2018
I’d take him. Great player
— Lost Above (@LostAbove) 10 December 2018
You’d think this guy has played under Pep before.
— Joseph YoungHusband (@iAmGaucho_) 10 December 2018
Others were not so sure with a few supporters thinking a move for his teammate Tanguy Ndombele would be a better idea.
Good but we want (and need) Mbombele
— Manjit Tiwary (@manjittiwary) 11 December 2018
great prospect but for now we don’t need him. Need a proper 6 to replace Ferna
— Micka (@mcenturions) 10 December 2018
Really impressed with him whenever I’ve watched Lyon, don’t know whether and where he’d really fit, don’t see him as a direct/read-to-go Fernandinho replacement.
— Jonathan Aitken (@jon_aitken) 10 December 2018
Aouar has been in good form for Lyon so far this season, having hit the back of the net five times and provided four assists in 21 appearances.
The France Under 21 international has also been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal with the Gunners reportedly keen admirers of the player.
Reports in France suggest that manager Unai Emery is looking at Aouar as a possible replacement for Aaron Ramsey with the Spaniard a big fan of the midfielder’s versatility. However, the Lyon star’s latest comments suggest he would prefer to work under Guardiola instead.