“Extraordinary” – Pep Guardiola hails Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov amid personnel woes in defence
Guardiola describes Guehi and Khusanov as ‘extraordinary’ amid City’s injury woes at centre-backCity boss insists the future is “bright” after watching both defenders grow considerably this ...
“Extraordinary” – Pep Guardiola hails Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov amid personnel woes in defence Guardiola describes Guehi and Khusanov as ‘extraordinary’ amid City’s injury woes at centre-back City boss insists the future is “bright” after watching both defenders grow considerably this season John Stones has recovered from a calf injury while Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias remain sidelined Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on centre-back pairing Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov, declaring the defensive duo ‘extraordinary’ as Manchester City prepare for Wednesday’s Premier League trip to Burnley. The pair have been thrust into regular action together following a damaging run of injuries in central defence, with Josko Gvardiol sidelined since January with a tibial fracture and Ruben Dias having missed the past several weeks with a hamstring problem. Despite the disruption, City have conceded just once in their last four games, a defensive record that Guardiola is clearly attributing in no small part to the performances of two acquisitions from the last 15 months.
Marc Guehi: Manchester City’s future captain? Marc Guehi joined from Crystal Palace for £20 million in January and has been a composed and commanding presence at the heart of City’s backline since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, while Abdukodir Khusanov has grown considerably since his £33. 5 million arrival from RC Lens in January 2025.
Guardiola: The future will be bright Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Turf Moor, Guardiola was fulsome in his praise for both defenders while also acknowledging the broader picture of an injury-ravaged defensive unit finding its feet. “Extraordinary. Like Nathan (Ake) when he played the final of the Carabao Cup, he was maybe one of the best players on the pitch.
Jonny’s (John Stones) coming back. Unfortunately Josko (Gvardiol) and Ruben (Dias) have been injured,” he said. “But of course, in the last games Marc (Guehi) and Khusa (Khusanov).