Jadel Katongo was full of praise for one figure at Manchester City.
Katongo was described as “outstanding” by Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson — who is Sir Alex Ferguson’s son — who managed him during his stint on loan in League One.
Ferguson also stated that if Manchester City played the 19-year-old, he would “breeze through games.”
The Englishman joined City’s academy in the Under-nine age group and since then, he has headed out on one loan spell and impressed.
Last season, the 19-year-old started in 23 league games for Peterborough United — who finished in fourth place in League One.
Jadel Katongo hails Pep Guardiola
The youngster has been named in Manchester City’s squad for their pre-season trip to the US — with centre-backs like Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake all allowed to miss the tour due to partaking in the knockout rounds of Euro 2024.
Katongo has a chance to train and play alongside first-team stalwarts like Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol.
The highly-rated centre-back would be hoping that he is handed minutes during the pre-season tour.
Katongo was hoping that Pep Guardiola helps him improve as a player, hailing him as the best manager in the world.
The England Under-20 international said via the club’s official website: “I think it will be another great experience just to be around an even bigger first-team and see how they manage things both on and off the pitch as well.”
“Hopefully I can achieve more growth as a player.
“Obviously, Pep’s [Guardiola] the best manager in the world and hopefully he can teach me a thing or two, the same with the players as well.”
Jadel Katongo should absorb all the lessons Pep Guardiola imparts like a sponge
Katongo is clearly aware of the rare opportunity he has to learn from Pep Guardiola.
In addition, the starlet also has a chance of making a better impression on the £378,846-a-week man than the other young centre-backs on the tour such as Callum Doyle, Luke Mbete, Stephen Mfuti and Jahmain Simpson-Pusey.
As a result, Katongo must be determined to absorb all the wisdom Pep Guardiola imparts upon him like a sponge.
The wonderkid should also try to go out of his way to shine in training through his displays, learning skills and graft to stand out amongst his peers.
If Katongo wishes to become a first-team player at his boyhood club one day, he should grab this rare opportunity with both hands.
How Katongo fares in the pre-season tour in every aspect could have a major impact on his career at City, as the experience could also help him become an even better player.
