Pep Guardiola had an interesting response after seeing Rico Lewis assist Phil Foden as Manchester City opened the scoring against RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
It was The Times who made a note of the Spaniard’s reaction.
So, how did Pep Guardiola respond as Phil Foden and Rico Lewis combined for Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well – according to The Times – Manchester City aim to have at least five or six academy graduates regularly involved in the starting XI in future.
That is said to be one of Khaldoon Al-Mubarak’s long-term aims as Chairman of Manchester City.
In light of that news, Guardiola’s reaction to seeing Lewis and Foden combine to put Manchester City 1-0 up against RB Leipzig was telling.
The 52-year-old was spotted turning to his staff on the bench after the England international’s strike, enthusiastically punching the air.
It emitted a feeling that this goal – created by two graduates from the City Football Academy – meant more than just any old effort.
Manchester City have other gems emerging after Phil Foden and Rico Lewis
Well, it doesn’t feel outrageous to suggest that Al-Mubarak’s vision could come true within a few years.
Guardiola already has Foden and Lewis involved – of course – and has started to hand more opportunities to Oscar Bobb following the departure of Cole Palmer to Chelsea.
Manchester City also have other promising talents currently out on loan in the Premier League, such as James McAtee – playing for Sheffield United – and Tommy Doyle at Wolves.
In the Championship, the Citizens are also keeping a watchful eye on the progress of Taylor Harwood-Bellis at Southampton and Callum Doyle at Leicester.
It should also be noted that talents such as Romeo Lavia have emerged from the City Football Group in recent years.
Clearly, Manchester City are doing something right in the City Football Group, and it certainly doesn’t feel like Al-Mubarak’s vision is an unrealistic one.
