Rico Lewis has made an interesting claim about one figure at Manchester City.
The 19-year-old is set to partake in City’s pre-season tour ahead of his third campaign as a first-team player at his boyhood club.
Since first playing in Manchester City’s 1-0 win against Bayern Munich in July 2022, Lewis has come a long way.
The versatile right-back will be hoping to make a serious impression in the US to convince Pep Guardiola that it is high-time that he becomes a starter. Last season, the youngster started in only eight Premier League games for City.
- READ MORE: Who is Rico Lewis? The Man City prodigy who is one of the best Pep Guardiola has ever trained
Rico Lewis makes big claim about Pep Guardiola
In April, Pep Guardiola described Lewis as an “exceptional player” — which was just another one of many examples of the Manchester City boss singing his praises.
Previously, Guardiola also claimed that the England international’s performances tend not to fall under a seven out of 10 rating.
With Kyle Walker’s experience and the midfield having several top-quality players, it has been difficult for the diminutive technician to cement his place in the side.
However, Lewis believes that Pep Guardiola is the greatest manager of all time — stating that his input is the reason behind his versatility as a player.
The highly-rated defender said via Sky Sports: “First of all, he’s one of the best, if not, in my opinion, the best manager to ever manage. For me, I couldn’t get any more information out of him if I could. Anything he says to me, I listen to, whether that’s a small detail or whether that’s a big detail, whether I’ve done something right or wrong.”
“There’s nothing that he can tell me that I can’t listen to and that’s what’s made me who I am today in terms of being able to play in different positions and understanding attacking with the ball, defending with the ball, everything that I’ve learned is sort of come from him.”
Rico Lewis must be continue listening to Pep Guardiola
Several fans and pundits alike would agree with where Lewis ranks Guardiola as a manager amongst the pantheon of greats.
The Englishman has a straightforward task at his hands; listening to the £378,846-a-week man as much as possible.
As a young player, it would be natural if Lewis was frustrated due to getting irregular playing time.
But as exemplified by the rise of Phil Foden, it is key to remain patient, remain diligent in training and follow Pep Guardiola’s advice.
Guardiola is an expert at managing young players and with how much he has trusted Lewis since he broke into the first-team in the 2022/2023 campaign, it seems like only a matter of time until he becomes a regular starter.
Until that becomes the norm, the two-time Premier League winner must try to do what it takes to bridge the gap from being a squad player to a starter.
