Guardiola Backs Ederson After Errors In City's Derby Defeat At United

Pep Guardiola has defended Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson after his errors led to Manchester United’s goals in Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Old Trafford.

Goals from Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay – both helped by errors from Ederson – sealed a third derby win of the season for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s over their city rivals.

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However, Guardiola stood firmly refused to criticise the Brazilian for allowing Martial’s shot to slip under him or for throwing the ball to McTominay in the final moments of the game.

“We knew sometimes Fernandes makes this kind of chipping but the quality of the opponents always counts,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.

“[Ederson] played, he saved one or two, he’s an exceptional goalkeeper.

“You don’t make mistakes? I don’t make mistakes? I don’t come here to judge my players if they make mistakes. It’s part of the game. He will recover and he’s an exceptional goalkeeper.

“We play so good, I told you. Even when we win 5-0 we can play better.

“We play a good game. The schedule, we know. Liverpool are far away and we want to play the game for ourselves. We thought about today and we did it.”

Guardiola also rejected the suggestion his team’s motivation levels have dropped off in the league, with cups now their priority.

“Did you see a lack of motivation in how the players moved, pressed, made the United players play long balls and how they couldn’t make three passes in a row? It’s not true.

“The team wanted to do it and were able to do it, so it is not a lack of motivation, it’s a lack of concentration. It happens, mistakes are part of the game, good actions are part of the game.

“The behaviour is good and how quick we moved the ball and how we arrived in the final third, especially in the second half, was good. I’m satisfied, I know we lost, but I liked the game we played. When I don’t like it, I tell you.”