‘That’s not typical’ – Stefan Ortega comments on Manchester City future amid recent exit rumours | OneFootball

Manchester City’s back-up choice goalkeeper Stefan Ortega Moreno has commented on his Etihad Stadium future amid recent talk of a possible exit from the club.

Reports from German media recently suggested that should Manchester City not show the 30-year-old that he can be their number one goalkeeper from next season, he will try to move in the upcoming January market or next summer.

That follows a recent summer transfer window when there was a strong and growing feeling around the club that Pep Guardiola and goalkeeping coaches at the City Football Academy were ready to promote Ortega into the leading role between the sticks.

That coincided with growing fears that Ederson would ultimately jump at the opportunity to move to Saudi Arabia and bring an end to an illustrious career at the Etihad. Ultimately, a bid at City’s valuation of the Brazilian would not come, and neither would a move.

As such, Ederson has retained his position as Manchester City’s number one choice goalkeeper and Stefan Ortega has remained largely as the club’s back-up with appearances in the League Cup and UEFA Champions League, against Slovan Bratislava on matchday two.

Speaking during a recent interview with Sky Germany, Stefan Ortega was quizzed on his future at City following claims from within Germany that suggested he would be willing to seek an exit from the club in either of the upcoming transfer windows.

“Still in Manchester. I feel very comfortable there,” Ortega responded when questioned on his club future, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness.

He continued, “At the moment there is little reason to leave Manchester again. I have now played 37 [36] competitive games in the last two years – that’s not a number for a typical number two.

“I get a lot of appreciation, even if it doesn’t always come across like that in the games.”

Much of the reasoning behind a potential exit in recent transfer reports centred around Ortega’s lack of a senior Germany call-up, despite impressive performances when called upon by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

On the subject of his international status, Ortega said, “He [Julian Nagelsmann] has made a decision. You accept this decision, you respect it.

“All I can do is try to keep collecting arguments so that I might be invited at some point. But there are pros and cons for both sides.

“We haven’t spoken yet – but that’s okay too.”

Despite a lack of consistent first-team game time in high-profile matches, Pep Guardiola has remained a huge fan of Stefan Ortega and his ability in one-vs-one situations, recently labelling him as one of the best he had ever seen in such scenarios.

Guardiola was commenting after Manchester City’s narrow 3-2 win over Fulham at the Etihad Stadium prior to the international break, which showcased Ederson’s improved ability in the same situation, which the Catalan coach puts down to competition offered by Ortega.

“I think Stefan [Ortega], for me, is one of the best players I’ve ever seen one-against-one, these kind of actions. I think working with him, I’m pretty sure that Ederson can get it,” Guardiola told reporters after the game.

“Ederson is important. But always I had the feeling Stefan is exceptional,” he continued. “Sometimes Ederson has to feel you have to perform well, otherwise Stefan can play! This healthy competition, because they respect/have an incredible relation, makes us better.”