One comment from Pep Guardiola stood out after Manchester City’s win over West Ham | OneFootball

Despite Manchester City’s 4-1 win over West Ham at the Etihad yesterday, Pep Guardiola wasn’t pleased with his team’s performance. Speaking after the game Guardiola told the media that his team didn’t play like his team had in previous seasons. He believes that his team is a long way off from returning to their expected level of play. But one quote in particular stood out when Guardiola spoke to the media after his team’s win.

Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Savinho after his performance against West Ham. It was during his praise for the Brazilian that the interesting quote came from the City manager. Speaking on Savinho’s performance Guardiola said: “I think he’s clean in his mind. He doesn’t think too much in his head. When you are many years here, players think they deserve something special for what they have done. That is a big mistake. You have to prove it again and again. Savinho has everything to win and prove.”

You do have to wonder who Pep Guardiola’s comment was aimed at. Savinho only joined Manchester City last summer so he hasn’t enjoyed the success of his teammates at Manchester City. But he is only young and is beginning to blossom as a City player. But he isn’t burdened by past success like some of his teammates.

You do wonder if Guardiola’s comment was aimed at some of City’s senior players who have underperformed this season. Manchester City’s level of performance has dropped this season and a host of City’s mainstays haven’t performed at their previous high levels. But they have been to the well many times in recent seasons so a drop-off was going to come at some point.

Pep Guardiola’s post-game comment did stand out. Perhaps it was as a throwaway comment, perhaps it wasn’t. But after he has fiercely defended his players throughout Manchester City’s poor recent run it was an eyebrow-raising statement from the City manager. It will be interesting to see if Guardiola expands on the comment anytime in the near future.