**Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has jumped to Ederson’s defence after the goalkeeper received criticism for Callum Hudson-Odoi’s near post goal when the Blues faced Nottingham Forest last week.**
Ederson made a series of fine saves to keep City in the game but allowed Hudson-Odoi’s near-post effort in after 83 minutes to inflict a 10th defeat of the league season for the Premier League champions.
The 31-year-old – who joined City in 2017 – has been one of Guardiola’s best signings owing his ability on the ball and importance in the Spaniard’s preferred style of play in building from the back.
City crashed out from the UEFA Champions League courtesy of a 6-2 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid over two legs and Ederson was widely criticised in each game for what were objectively poor decisions made by the Brazil international that directly led to goals for the opposition.
Over the years, Ederson has also cost his side in Europe but equally, he has often been an unsung hero – playing a major role in Manchester City’s run to treble glory in 2023 with an array of match-winning goalkeeping displays against Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
His future in Manchester has come under question in recent years, when Guardiola has been willing to call upon backup shotstopper Stefan Ortega Moreno to come in for Ederson.
The Saudi Pro League has been described as the likeliest destination for Ederson should he decide to call time upon a decorated, trophy-laden spell at the Etihad Stadium.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion, Pep Guardiola was asked for two cents on Ederson after the goalkeeper’s mistake to allow Hudson-Odoi’s goal last week.
Sticking up for his number one goalkeeper, Guardiola said enthusiastically: “Ederson is an incredible goalkeeper. Incredible. This is my thoughts – nine (eight\*) years together and he’s been outstanding.”
Ederson is expected to retain his place between the sticks against Brighton and Hove Albion as Manchester City look to bounce back and put a run together to secure UEFA Champions League qualification next season.