Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City
Pep Guardiola admitted he could keep Stefan Ortega in goal ahead of usual first choice Ederson against Nottingham Forest
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hinted he could continue playing Stefan Ortega in goal after dropping his No 1 keeper Ederson for their 2-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday.
Guardiola opted to make a handful of big changes amid City's long winless run, which was extended to seven matches after Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah struck at Anfield to consign them to another defeat.
Ortega came in for Ederson after the Brazilian made a high-profile error in the 3-3 draw against Feyenoord, while Josko Gvardiol was also replaced by the returning Ruben Dias.
The switch didn't have a huge impact as Ortega was at fault for Liverpool's second goal after fouling Luis Diaz to give away a penalty that was converted by Salah.
[
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Speaking ahead of City's crucial home game against Nottingham Forest, where they will aim to secure a first win since October, Guardiola insisted Ederson was still his No 1 keeper but stressed that he may opt to persist with Ortega for now.
When asked how Ederson had reacted to being dropped, the Spaniard said: "Really good. 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."
Ederson is widely considered as one of the best goalkeepers in world football after playing a huge part in City's dominance of the Premier League and helping them win the treble in 2022.
Stegan Ortega and Ederson warm up
Guardiola caused a stir by dropping Ederson for Ortega against Liverpol
This season he had previously started all of City's matches this season but has only managed to keep clean sheets, letting in 17 and making one error leading to a goal.
Ortega has previously stepped in impressively whenever he has deputised for Ederson in his Manchester City career.
Guardiola called on the fans to lift City out of their funk when they welcome Forest to the Etihad on Wednesday night. 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."
"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."
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