Guardiola's feelings on Man City No.2 Ortega emerge after Ederson injury blow

13 March 2024 , 19:24

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Stefan Ortega is set for his big opportunity (Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola rates Manchester City's No.2 goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega, so highly that he even considered dropping Ederson ahead of this season.

Ortega, 31, joined City on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 after spending five years with Arminia Bielefeld, who'd just been relegated from the Bundesliga. The German shot-stopper, still not capped by country at any level, had managed to pique Guardiola's interest and went on to show plenty of promise over his 14 appearances last term.

According to the Athletic, Guardiola was so impressed with Ortega's debut campaign that last spring, he considered dropping Ederson down the pecking order for the current season. The 31-year-old's composure and accuracy with the ball combined with his shot-stopping ability has delighted Guardiola, who'll need to navigate City's next set of fixtures without his long-standing No.1.

After first-choice goalkeeper Ederson suffered a muscle injury in giving away a penalty during last Sunday's gripping 1-1 draw with title rivals Liverpool, Ortega is now set to start in goal for the reigning Premier League and Champions League winners for up to four weeks - and potentially beyond.

Ederson won't be available for this Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final clash with Newcastle, nor will he play for Brazil during the upcoming international break. City then face another title rival in Arsenal on March 31 before a third successive home game against Aston Villa on April 3.

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There's a chance that Ederson could return for City's trip to face Crystal Palace on April 6, but if Ortega impresses, it could persuade Guardiola to stick with him. Speaking last month, the City boss said of Ortega: "[He's pushing Ederson] a lot. A lot,"

"The way he's played in Carabao Cup and FA Cup so far. Even in the Champions League when he played against [Borussia] Dortmund. We were qualified but fighting for the first position. He’s an exceptional goalkeeper. Exceptional."

Your turn! Will Stefan Ortega become Manchester City's new No.1? Let us know your prediction in the comments section.

Ederson suffered a muscle injury against Liverpool (Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Then discussing why Ederson has maintained his No.1 status, Guardiola affirmed: "Another exceptional goalkeeper, I have no doubts. The reality is now we have another keeper pushing to him like never before. In terms of what they have done so far in the build-up with the group.

"He's a typical German goalkeeper, they stay up. Makes incredible handball movements. He's a really, really good 'keeper. But Ederson is a really important figure on and off the pitch and everything like that."

Nathan Ridley