Pep Guardiola’s sentiments regarding Manchester City’s second-in-command Stefan Ortega has come to the forefront following Ederson’s injury.

Pep Guardiola holds Stefan Ortega, Manchester City’s second goalkeeper, in such high regard that he contemplated replacing Ederson at the start of this season.

Ortega, aged 31, signed with City on a costless move during the summer of 2022 following a five-year tenure with Arminia Bielefeld, a team that had recently been demoted from the Bundesliga. The German goalkeeper, who has not yet been selected to represent his country at any level, was able to capture Guardiola’s attention and demonstrated considerable potential in his 14 outings last season.

As reported by the Athletic, Guardiola was highly satisfied with Ortega’s first season and even contemplated demoting Ederson in the current season. Guardiola has been pleased with the 31-year-old’s calmness and precision when handling the ball, as well as his ability to make saves. However, Guardiola will have to manage City’s upcoming matches without their usual first-choice goalkeeper.

Following a muscular injury to their first-choice goalkeeper Ederson, which occurred when conceding a penalty in the intense 1-1 draw against title contenders Liverpool last Sunday, Ortega is now expected to be the starting goalkeeper for the current champions of the Premier League and the Champions League. This arrangement is likely to endure for a period of four weeks or possibly longer.