Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola hailed the remarkable performance of goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, attributing Arsenal’s failure to clinch the Premier League title to the shot-stopper’s heroics during their recent match against Tottenham Hotspur.
Guardiola’s admission came after Manchester City secured a hard-fought victory against Tottenham Hotspur, where Ortega’s outstanding saves thwarted several goal-scoring opportunities for the opposition.
In a post-match press conference, Guardiola emphasized the pivotal role played by Ortega in denying Tottenham’s Heung-min Son from finding the back of the net, a moment that could have potentially altered the course of the Premier League title race.
The Manchester City boss candidly expressed, “I would say, how is the team a team? It’s because Ortega saved the actions, otherwise Arsenal are the champions.”
Guardiola’s praise extended further as he lauded Ortega’s exceptional goalkeeping prowess, particularly in one-on-one situations, asserting, “Stefan made an incredible save. He has this talent. In one-against-one, he is one of the best keepers I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Stefan Ortega, signed by Manchester City on a free transfer from Arminia Bielefeld in 2022, was initially brought in as a backup to Ederson.
However, injuries to the first-choice goalkeeper paved the way for Ortega to showcase his skills, emerging as a reliable presence between the posts for the club.
Guardiola commended the decision to acquire Ortega, emphasizing the goalkeeper’s consistent performances whenever called upon, stating, “He’s an incredible, incredible keeper.
So the club and our keeper trainer made an incredible decision to bring him here, Incredible!”
