Pep Guardiola has stressed the importance of having Scott Carson in his squad, despite the goalkeeper not playing a single minute of football this season.
City are on course for a historic campaign, after wrapping up a third consecutive Premier League title.
Guardiola’s side are now just two wins away from the treble, with an FA Cup final showdown with Manchester United and a Champions League final against Inter on the horizon.
One of the strengths of City’s squad is that every single member has a key role to play, regardless of whether they are a regular starter or not.
One player who might not stand out for their contribution though is Scott Carson.
The 37-year-old goalkeeper has not stepped onto the pitch this season, and has made just two appearances since joining City in 2019.
Despite that, on Friday City announced that Carson had signed a one-year contract extension, meaning he will remain City’s third-choice keeper in 2023/24.
Speaking to the media ahead of City’s final Premier League match of the season against Brentford on Sunday, Guardiola explained the important role the veteran goalkeeper plays.
“We spoke this morning. He deserves it [new contract]. He is a guy when he talks everybody listens. He helps take quality training sessions, especially after a game,” Guardiola said.
“We have him. In the locker room and with the staff you cannot believe the impact [he has], we are very pleased to have him.”
Despite his lack of game time, Carson has become something of a fan-favourite among City fans.
The keeper made his City debut in May 2021 almost two years after joining the club, saving a penalty in a 4-3 win at Newcastle.
He then broke a record when he made the second Champions League appearance of his career in March 2022.
His cameo appearance against Sporting Lisbon came 16 years and 338 days after his previous appearance in the competition – no player has gone longer between appearances.
Carson further endeared himself to City fans when he appeared to offer Atletico Madrid defender Sime Vrsaljko out for a fight during the melee that broke out after a fiery Champions League tie last season.
