Savinho has spent nearly a full season playing under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and during this period, it’s safe to assume that he has received a footballing education like never before in his career.
Guardiola himself would be enjoying working with the young Brazilian, having turned several wingers such as Pedro Rodriguez and Raheem Sterling into world-class players in the past.
Savinho has embraced Manchester City’s struggles this season and he has not seemed to throw his toys out of the pram solely due to how much his side have failed to deliver this campaign.
During his debut season, the former ESTAC Troyes wideman has impressed, with Glenn Hoddle comparing Savinho to Riyad Mahrez as he similarly possesses a wand of a left foot and quick feet.
Reflecting on his time at Manchester City so far, Savinho has provided an insight into what it has been like to work with Guardiola.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Savinho says Pep Guardiola lets him express himself at Man City
Speaking to Manchester City’s official website, Savinho revealed that Pep Guardiola encourages him to take risks by dribbling past players and playing his natural game: “Pep has helped me a lot.”
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“He always tells me not to change my personality of playing on the front foot, of always trying, if I make a mistake to try again. He speaks to all of the players like this, giving them confidence. It’s difficult when you make mistakes in the game, you end up losing your confidence. But he gives me a lot of confidence when I’m involved in a goal, make a pass or complete a dribble, he always motivates me. I’m so grateful for his support.”
However, Frank Leboeuf claimed Pep Guardiola ruined Jack Grealish — a player who several pundits and fans alike believe has deteriorated at the Etihad Stadium due to their notion that the Catalan tactician prohibits creative players from expressing themselves.
Even Thierry Henry suggested Grealish’s decline is down to Guardiola as he no longer beats players and makes things happen when the truth is that the 29-year-old and City were always a strange fit. The England international is not a natural winger and Pep Guardiola’s system demands players to hug the touchline.
However, Savinho’s revelation pinpoints that Guardiola is happy for players to play freely, with Jeremy Doku also clearly been handed the license to dribble past defenders and be a maverick in the final third.
In fact, Savinho was criticised by Craig Burley for not producing enough goals and assists and yet, Pep Guardiola has not instructed him to change his game in order to become more decisive in attacking areas.
The same applies to players like Sterling and Leroy Sane in the past, who the Manchester City boss seemingly backed to play as per their natural instincts and they went on to become superstars.
How good Guardiola said Savinho can become
Pep Guardiola claimed Savinho can become top-class due to the fire that burns within him to be the best player on the pitch every time he plays.
Guardiola explained in October last year: “He’s so young, 20, 21 years old. What I like with Savi is the fact that I have the feeling that he wants to be the best. He wants to be the best player on the pitch, he wants to try things.”
“He participates in everything, his courage to have the ball and try again. He’s not just scoring goals, but he’s trying, he shoots, last game against Wolves, we win a free kick, I want to take it, I want to take it. He’s a young guy I have the feeling that he can become a good, good player. That defines the really good players. With courage, consistent with his ambition he will get there.”