Pep praise for Stones, Lewis and Bernardo | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says he was happy with all his players after overcoming a difficult Villarreal side on their own soil.

Goals from Erling Haaland and Bernardo secured an impressive 2-0 win, but the boss, answering questions at his post-match press conference, had additional praise for John Stones, Rico Lewis and skipper Bernardo.

Asked about Stones’ composed and stylish performance, Pep said: “Really good. Top. He can play his position, is so smart and helps us.

“Really good and really pleased for the game from John. [The year we won the Treble] he made an exceptional season and was an important player there.”

Rico Lewis was another frontrunner for star man honours with an excellent display in his preferred midfield role.

His assist for Haaland’s opener capped an excellent all-round performance – and his boss was also delighted with his efforts.

“I adore that player,” he said.

“He is so intelligent in small spaces. Maybe man-marking and more duels he struggles a little bit more, but when teams like Villarreal do zonal marking exceptionally, you need a top player like Rico who moves well in that position.

“Rico is a top class player when you have to play in that way. We need fresh legs. We play Saturday, Tuesday and travel.

“I think Bernardo was fresher,  but we dropped in the second half because we didn’t read it well what we had to do.

“I know exactly about what a team Villarreal is. I am really pleased with the performance and the victory.”

Bernardo’s header five minutes from half-time gave the Blues vital breathing space against a side unbeaten at home since March.

“I’m pleased Erling scored again and pleased Bernardo scored an incredible header,” said Pep.

“Bernardo is like Mahrez and Messi - so small but really good with head contact.

“If you analyse the first half and some moments in the second, we created some good chances.

“We made a good performance. I know the Spanish people know that Villarreal is a top, top team.”

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