‘Love Pep and the board’ – Many fans react as Guardiola explains why Man City allowed Chelsea to sign Marc Cucurella

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admits that Chelsea only won the transfer race for left-back Marc Cucurella because the club didn’t want to pay the £63million that Brighton were demanding.

The reigning Premier League champions have been hunting for a new left-back all summer and had tried to bring Cucurella from Brighton, but a reluctance to meet the Seagulls’ price tag saw Chelsea win the race for his signature.

While all that was going on, City struck a deal to sign 21-year-old Gomez from Anderlecht and had planned to loan him out for the coming season, but a failure to find an alternative has seen City commit to keeping Gomez around.

It was simply to do with ‘money’ as the four-time Premier League winner revealed in his press conference ahead of Bournemouth at home this weekend via The Manchester Evening News.

During his press conference he said: “The moment we couldn’t go through with Cucurella because the club decide we wouldn’t pay this amount of money for this player, I said ‘okay’, think about the idea we had before to loan Sergio. We spent time to watch him more. I said ‘okay, it is perfect for everything – the price, young player, desire – okay, go for it’.

“He was a No.10 like Alex Zinchenko, now he adapt in that position. When that happens, Cruyff told me all the time that when a winger can play at left-back they will be the best left-back.

“When a holding midfielder can play as a central defender, they will be the best central defender. It’s difficult for players from behind to play forward but not difficult for players to play back.

“He was No.10 but had the quality to do it in the small pockets in the middle. After we know him a little bit as a person, and convince him the way he comes. I like when players come here that it’s a dream because they give everything for us.

“He’s so young, open to learn, I spoke with Vinny about him. He has to improve in some departments, that’s why he’s 21 and he’s going to improve but he’s perfect for what we need.”

These Guardiola’s comments were shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

“Whats this then, I thought everyone said pep have an unlimited budget? Thought he could buy anyone he wants.”
Credit: @DellMCFC

“Chelsea went in head first, no negotiations, nothing and paid £62m.”
Credit: @L_ManCityFC

“Love pep and the board.”
Credit: @furqan00055

“If Pep was that adamant to get him he must be good damn.”
Credit: @bdeanMCFC

“if Pep approves then we got a player on our hands.”
Credit: @JackMCI_

“Talent wise Gomez is miles ahead of Cucurella ✅.”
Credit: @CityCookingOil1

“This time next year we’ll be saying he’s one of the best left backs in the world. Pep effect.”
Credit: @Alicia_m1214