Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has shed light on his decision to bench regular goalkeeper Ederson for the team’s clash with Liverpool. The Brazilian shot-stopper found himself on the bench, with Stefan Ortega taking up the mantle between the posts.
Since his transfer from Benfica in the 2017/18 season, Ederson has been a constant presence in goal for the Citizens. However, Guardiola chose to switch things up at Anfield, following City’s concession of 15 goals in their last five matches across all competitions.
“We just wanted to change something,” the Spanish manager revealed to Sky Sports before the match. “Eddy has saved a lot of goals for us. He’s saved one on ones many, many times – but I decided to pick Stefan today.”
Prior to the Merseyside trip, Ederson had started all 12 of City’s Premier League games this season, as well as three Champions League matches.
Despite being rested for the European victories against Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Prague in October, he has always been favured over Ortega in high-stakes matches. However, after a string of uninspiring performances from the City defense, Guardiola has taken the bold step of sidelining the Brazilian.
City are currently experiencing their worst run under Guardiola, having lost three consecutive Premier League matches. The reigning champions suffered a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth at the beginning of last month, followed by a similar loss to Brighton. Last weekend saw them suffer a crushing 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham.
Their Champions League performances last month left much to be desired, with the north west titans suffering a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Sporting, followed by squandering a 3-0 lead in a 3-3 draw with Feyenoord.
Despite Guardiola’s claims, Roy Keane said the decision to drop Ederson was right. He said on Sky Sports: “Sometimes as a manager you have to make changes. Pep says it isn’t because of his form but I think it is.
“The keeper hasn’t been great and Ortega, when he has played before, has not let City down. He produced some huge moments last season. What a game for him to come into. It is a big call but I think it is the right one.”