Pep Guardiola may have only welcomed two new players to Man City this summer, but he is more than happy with their signings in the transfer window.
Ilkay Gundogan made a surprise return to Eastlands this week after Barcelona allowed the midfielder to leave the club on a free transfer, just one year after joining La Blaugrana.
The German, who previously won five Premier League titles and the Champions League with the club, came off the bench in the second half of Saturday’s 4-1 home win over Ipswich Town to a rousing ovation from supporters.
“Thank you for this warm welcome to him. He is unbelievably happy,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
Transfers – Four Premier League stars in limbo ahead of deadline day
“I had doubts [about bringing him off the bench]. We know each other for many years and he knows exactly what he needs to do. I am very pleased he is back.”
Savinho is Man City‘s only other signing of the summer, but Guardiola has started him in both of their opening Premier League fixtures. The Brazilian winger has impressed on the right flank so far.
Asked if he was surprised by how quickly the 20-year-old has integrated into the team, Guardiola told BBC Sport: “Yes. Not just the minutes but he played really good. The second half dropped a little but but his contribution offensively and defensively was really good.”
Man City were caught by surprise early on when Sammie Szmodics ran through on goal to open the scoring after six just minutes.
The hosts hit back quickly through Erling Haaland from the penalty spot after Savinho was fouled in the box by Leif Davis.
Kevin De Bruyne put Man City ahead moments later, before Haaland grabbed two more for the seventh Premier League hat-trick of his career.
“We played a good game,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “Even 1-0 down we were playing good. I would say in general they changed and were less aggressive. We were in the positions we need and I am really pleased with the game we played in general.
“We tried to provoke them with the high pressing. They patterns they have are really good. Of course when you come here and we feel comfortable playing in our stadium, we can do what we have done again.”
