Pep Guardiola has high hopes for summer signing Savinho, who made his Manchester City debut in the Community Shield against Manchester United.
Savinho, City’s sole summer acquisition so far, made an immediate impact by assisting Bernardo Silva’s late equalizer and scoring a crucial penalty in the shootout. Guardiola is confident that the Brazilian, who joined City from Girona, will offer more than just occasional contributions.
Guardiola is particularly impressed by Savinho’s versatility, noting that he can excel as both an inverted winger and a traditional winger. This flexibility allows City to utilize him and Jeremy Doku to stretch the play across both flanks effectively.
“He’s been really good—so fast and capable of playing on both sides,” Guardiola said. “Unlike some players who are restricted to one wing, Savinho can perform equally well on the right or left. His ability to reach the byline and deliver crosses is valuable.”
Guardiola highlighted that Savinho’s adaptability and stamina are crucial. “He was one of the top performers in Girona last season, and his development under their manager was impressive. This transfer is a strong move for us, and I’m really pleased with it.”
The manager believes Savinho will quickly acclimate to the English game and its demands. “He understands the game well, especially his knack for rapid transitions and delivering effective crosses. We needed a player who could handle the rigorous schedule of playing every three or four days, and Savinho fits that requirement.”
Guardiola emphasized the importance of having reliable players like Savinho, as City’s squad depth is limited. “We don’t have a large squad, so every player must contribute. Savinho will definitely be a valuable asset for us throughout the season.”