Perhaps the biggest surprise from Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat against Liverpool was witnessing Ederson Moraes lose his place to Stefan Ortega.
Ederson has largely enjoyed an impressive season, especially considering how much he has been tested in net due to City’s leaky defence.
However, the Manchester City number one was culpable for two of his side’s three goals in their 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in what was a poor performance from him in the Champions League.
Last month, it was reported that Hugo Viana’s view on Ederson’s future is that it is simply one of his main priorities to ensure he extends his contract beyond 2026.
Ederson confirmed his future plans after the FA Community Shield revolve around staying at Manchester City as he admitted a possible exit in the summer was on the cards at the time.
Pep Guardiola revealed Ederson stayed due to none of his suitors offering a suitable fee that would have forced City’s hand to part ways with their legendary goalkeeper.
Ederson of Manchester City looks dejected leaving the pitch after sustaining an injury as teammate Stefan Ortega is substituted on during the Premi...
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
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Guardiola confirms Ederson’s “really good reaction” to being dropped vs Liverpool
While the 30-year-old seems satisfied to still be at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola’s decision not to start him in City’s biggest game of the season suggests he is dissatisfied with him.
Whether that is due to the Brazilian’s shambolic display against Feyenoord or as a message to the rest of the squad not to become complacent remains unknown at this moment in time.
When asked how Ederson reacted to being dropped against Liverpool, Pep Guardiola responded via Manchester City’s official YouTube channel: “Really good, we know each other for eight years, nine years.”
In fairness to Stefan Ortega, his performance against Liverpool was impressive.
Ortega praised his display against Liverpool in the aftermath of the contest as well.
ORTEGA STATS VS LIVERPOOL
SAVES 5
SAVES INSIDE THE BOX 3
GOALS PREVENTED 0.8
SUCCESSSFUL RUNS OUT 2/2
ACCURATE PASSES 33/39 (85%)
via Sofascore
The German did concede a penalty, however, as his challenge on Luis Diaz was deemed a foul despite there not being overt contact from him.
Manchester City fans backed Pep Guardiola when it emerged that he had dropped Ederson in favour of Ortega as well.
Pep Guardiola suggests Stefan Ortega has taken Ederson’s place
However, Pep Guardiola also suggested in his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City’s clash against Nottingham Forest that Ortega could be in line for starts in a few more games over the six-time Premier League winner.
“Eddie is number one and Stefan is number two but maybe Stefan continues, we will see tomorrow, in the next days.”
Guardiola’s confirmation that Ederson is Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper suggests that he has not been axed yet.
However, Pep Guardiola did state that Ortega could keep his place, giving him the chance to become City’s number one.
Ilkay Gundogan lauded Ortega when he was at Barcelona as “the most underrated goalkeeper in the world.”
In October, a claim emerged that Ortega would consider leaving Manchester City if he is not assured to become the Sky Blues’ starting goalkeeper by next season.
Soon after, it was revealed that Manchester City will not sell Ortega in January and even reject any potential offers.
Now that the 31-year-old could have his big break, he must seize the opportunity.
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