Guardiola on new Man City duo’s debuts, Rodri ‘wanting more’, and Lewis red card in win over Wydad AC | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola praised two of his new signings after they made their debuts for his side in the win over Wydad AC.

Manchester City got their Club World Cup campaign underway with a 2-0 victory over Moroccan side Wydad AC in Philadelphia.

The Catalan manager gave debuts to two of his new players. Tijjani Reijnders, signed from AC Milan for £46 million, and Rayan Cherki, signed from for Lyon for £30 million, who both started the match.

“It’s good that they played,” Guardiola told DAZN.

“Tijji played really good, Rayan played good moments. Everyone has to know us and see what happens.”

Despite the new recruits, it was Phil Foden who took the man of the match award. The Englishman scored the first goal and assisted the second.

On Foden, Guardiola maintained: “Of course he will be important this season.

“He plays another role, more there, we have a lot of number 10s, we have to adjust many things, but step by step.”

There was also a return to action for Rodri. It was just the Spaniard’s second appearance since suffering an ACL injury last September with the Ballon D’Or winner playing the final 30 minutes of the match.

Guardiola explained: “30 minutes, step-by-step. He wants more, but it’s the first step.

“What your head wants, your mind, that is top. But at the same time, often you need the process, and that is very, very important.”

It would have been a perfect start to the Club World Cup for City, if not for a late red card shown to Rico Lewis. The right-back won the ball but was sent off after his follow through caught Samuel Obeng, much to the frustration of Guardiola.

His manager said: “He got the ball, both feet on the grass.

“The referee said, ‘No, the feet and leg was high’, but it’s on the grass. It’s natural.

“Rico never had absolutely any intention, but it doesn’t matter, it is what it is.”