Pep Guardiola Explains His Surprise Decision to Drop Ederson Against Liverpool
"We Needed a Change": Guardiola Explains the Surprising Call to Start Stefan Ortega Over Ederson
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola made a bold move ahead of their highly anticipated match with Liverpool, opting to leave first-choice goalkeeper Ederson on the bench. The decision raised eyebrows, especially considering Ederson’s reputation for making crucial saves and his impressive distribution skills. However, Guardiola has now revealed his reasons behind the surprising switch.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola explained:
“We just wanted to change something. Eddy has saved a lot of goals for us. He’s saved 1v1s many, many times, but I decided to pick Stefan today.”
The manager’s decision to start Stefan Ortega, the team’s backup goalkeeper, wasn’t a reflection of Ederson’s form but rather a tactical choice. Guardiola emphasized that both goalkeepers are equally capable, praising their abilities:
“Both are incredibly top goalkeepers. They’re both excellent with their feet and in 1v1 situations.”
Guardiola also hinted that fitness and match sharpness played a crucial role in his lineup decisions. He explained that some players were chosen based on their physical condition and readiness to handle the high-intensity game.
“Basically, the players who start are more fit. That is the reason why,” Guardiola noted. “In the starting XI, I could have changed a few other players. I know what Ruben [Dias] can give us in terms of leadership, but the other selections are about having more rhythm and more in the legs.”
Dropping a key player like Ederson in such an important match is a calculated risk. Guardiola’s focus on ensuring his players are in top physical condition reflects his meticulous approach to squad management. With a packed schedule and critical games ahead, the City boss is clearly prioritizing freshness and form over familiarity.
Despite the change, Guardiola remains confident in Ortega’s abilities and expects him to deliver a solid performance. Fans will be eager to see how this decision plays out on the pitch and whether it gives City the edge against their fierce rivals, Liverpool.
