Guardiola delighted with “top central defender” Guehi ahead of Bodø/Glimt clash | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Manchester City’s new signing Marc Guehi ahead of his side’s Champions League clash with Bodø/Glimt on Tuesday.

Guardiola described Guehi, whose move to Manchester was confirmed on Monday afternoon, as a “top central defender” as City prepare for their first-ever meeting with the Norwegian side.

City will be looking to respond following their 2-0 defeat in the Manchester derby, with Guardiola’s squad currently dealing with a growing injury list in defence.

Guehi’s move is “really important”

Speaking to the press, Guardiola outlined the importance of the England international’s arrival, with Guehi signing a five-and-a-half-year contract earlier in the day.

“[He’s] the perfect age [to play here] for many years and can play right [and] left,” Guardiola said.

“I’m pleased for him especially, because I know he always wanted to choose us. Thinking about the problems we have at the back in the next few months, it’s really, really important he’s here.”

Guehi’s signing comes at a crucial moment for City, who have been hit by multiple defensive injuries in recent weeks.

“This inconsistency is normal,” Guardiola added. “Last season we had nine injuries at one point, today we have 11 absences. When you have a lot of players who haven’t even spent one year here, you need a little bit of time to settle things.

“When you have the situation that we have right now, it’s normal to have some ups and downs.”

Guardiola focused on securing a top-eight finish

City can take a significant step towards the Champions League last 16 with a win on Tuesday night, and Guardiola revealed his side had put their derby defeat firmly behind them.

“We didn’t talk one word about the Manchester United game,” he said.

Based in the Arctic Circle, Bodø/Glimt have posed problems for sides such as Tottenham and Juventus this season, aided by extreme weather conditions and an artificial playing surface.

“Of course it’s different,” Guardiola explained. “That’s why we train the night before at the stadium, something we’ve never done since I arrived in Manchester.

“We have to see how the ball bounces, the short passes, the long passes. Life is never a red carpet. How quickly you adapt and adjust in these situations brings you closer to success.”

Guardiola also praised Bodø/Glimt’s rapid rise in European football.

“Five or six years ago they were in the second division,” he said. “Now they’re playing in the Champions League, and last season they reached the Europa League semi-finals. Hats off and huge respect. We respect them massively.”