The Manchester City manager remains coy over which goalkeeper will start against Nottingham Forest
Pep Guardiola maintains Ederson responded well after being dropped for Stefan Ortega for Manchester City’s defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
Ortega committed a foul on Luis Diaz to concede a penalty, which was dispatched by Mohamed Salah, in the 2-0 defeat at Anfield to extend the champions’ poor run of form.
And Guardiola remains coy over his options in goal ahead of facing Nottingham Forest, but insists the Brazilian shot-stopper has responded well to his decision.
“Really good,” Guardiola replied when asked about the Brazilian goalkeeper’s reaction to being benched. “We've known each other for eight years, nine years.
“Ederson is Man City's No. 1, Stefan [Ortega] is No. 2. But maybe Stefan will continue, we will see tomorrow and in the next games.”
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson during a a training session
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson during a a training session (Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Guardiola added that City fans will play a big part in their bid to snap a seven-game winless streak against Forest at the Etihad on Wednesday.
He said: “They know exactly what these guys have done, what this team has done in the last decade, many, many good moments we lived together, and they know that we need absolutely the support.
Ortega started in place of Ederson against Liverpool
Ortega started in place of Ederson against Liverpool (REUTERS)
“All of us, the players especially, are human beings, and of course they are willing as always to give everything to try to change the dynamic.
“I would say we are not far away from the team second in the Premier League, but always it's the way you play, the consistency you have in the boxes, and many things that give you the positive thoughts of what is going to happen in future.”