We’ve done excellent business in the transfer window - Lijnders | OneFootball

Pep Lijnders has spoken of his delight at City’s business in the transfer window following the acquisitions of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi.

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Semenyo has enjoyed a meteoric rise to become one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards and joined the Blues earlier this month, scoring three goals in his first four games in an explosive start to life in Manchester.

Guéhi arrived soon after as one of the most sought after players in world football before putting in a faultless display in the 2-0 win over Wolves on his Premier League debut for Pep Guardiola’s men.

Asked about the City’s dealings in January to date, Lijnders said he was thrilled with what the Blues have managed to do.

“I think we did excellent business with Antoine, with Marc, Oscar leaving of course but I think we added strength,” the assistant coach told media at his pre-Tottenham press conference.

“You always search for someone to improve your first XI. If you can find these players and it’s not easy for Manchester City but if you get players to improve your first XI you do good business and that’s what we tried to do and I think we succeeded.”

Lijnders also spoke glowingly about star striker Erling Haaland who got back on the scoresheet in the decisive UEFA Champions League triumph over Galatasaray, the 2-0 win helping us qualify for the Round of 16.

The assistant coach was wowed by the forward’s fine chipped finish against the Turkish giants and believes the goal will spark him for the days, weeks and months ahead.

“In the first months it was only we spoke all the time about Erling, how decisive he was and the mentality that sets him apart in my opinion,” he added.

“For a striker, the most important thing is the next ball, the next moment, the next situation.

“It’s about having this confidence that will come and we know all his quality about how he can be in the box, with his feet, head, left, right and in the scruffy goals as well being there.

“It’s for him to keep believing that it comes and it’s so important he finished it off because it shows his quality in that situation to put that ball over the goalkeeper.

“It was pure quality. But we need him in good spirits as all our front players because only when you smile and laugh do you score these goals.”

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