Pep Guardiola praises youngster James McAtee after his first goal in the Champions League: “Everyone adores him”

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Pep Guardiola praised several players after his Manchester City side secured a 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava.

Early goals from Ilkay Gündogan and Phil Foden put the 2023 winners on their way to a comfortable win in Slovakia before Erling Haaland and James McAtee added gloss to Tuesday's result in the second half.

Foden's contribution included setting up McAtee's first goal for the club and Guardiola was pleased to see him return to form after a slow start to the season due to fitness issues.

Guardiola said: “He scored a fantastic goal. I feel like he’s getting back to his best little by little and of course Phil is really important for us.”

McAtee, a young academy player who came on as a second-half substitute, is hoping to make his mark at the club after spending most of the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United.

Guardiola said: “Everyone loves him. You saw the reaction from the players, so everyone loves him.

“With teams that play so deep, he has the quality to find it. He scored and had a few more chances.

“Of course he won't be a regular player, but he will help us in many games and if he plays like he did today, I can always count on him.”

Rico Lewis also made an impressive contribution, being named starting right-back ahead of regular captain Kyle Walker.

Guardiola said: “I am extremely happy. The way Rico plays, there are no words. He does everything. He made an assist and is really strong.

“You can always rely on him and he is intelligent. Intelligence is the greatest attribute and he has it.”

Haaland was disappointed to be sent off shortly after scoring his 42nd goal in 41 Champions League games, but Guardiola said it was important not to overwhelm him.

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The City manager said: “As a manager I feel safer when Erling is on the pitch, but at 3-0 the game was almost over and we have to look after him.”

Overall, Guardiola was able to look back on a satisfactory evening, in which his team was able to achieve their first win in the competition this season after the opening draw against Inter Milan.

He said: “We have to do what we have to do. It is a pleasure to be manager of this team. I love it and I love her.

“We have created a lot of chances and are improving step by step. It was a good night.”

Despite the defeat against City, Slovan still enjoyed their first home game in the competition proper.

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Coach Vladimir Weiss Sr. said: “It was beautiful. Unfortunately the result wasn't great, but in my opinion we played against the best team in the world.

“I have never played against a team like this with players like this and a manager like this.

“It was impossible to defend against them, but I was happy to stand five meters away from Pep. I enjoyed it and we will continue to enjoy it.”

P.A