Guardiola rubbishes Claudio Bravo rumours
MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP) — Pep Guardiola made clear yesterday his belief Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is happy at Manchester City, amid reports the goalkeeper could be on his way back to Spain.
The 33-year-old, Chile’s most-capped player who skippered them to two successive Copa America titles, left Barcelona to join City for £17m (US$22 million, 19 million euros) in August as Guardiola wanted a new first choice to replace England number one, Joe Hart.
Bravo has not had the easiest start to life in Manchester — he was sent off on his return to Camp Nou in the Champions League in October, and has kept just two clean sheets in his last 14 games.
There have been reports the keeper has told his team-mates he wants to rejoin Barcelona, even though that would mean him being back-up to Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Guardiola, though, is adamant Bravo is happy in England.
“I didn’t read that. Sometimes, when you (journalists) come here, Simon (Heggie, City’s head of media relations) will make a briefing as to what you are going to ask me,” said Guardiola.
“But he didn’t speak about that issue.
“I don’t read too much of newspapers, of the Twitters and Instagrams and Facebooks.
“I spoke with Bravo in the last days, and with his wife as well.
“I saw him here.
“Their little daughter as well, but I couldn’t speak with her because she is just one year old.
“And he told me he is so happy.”
Guardiola has seen his side drop to fourth place after a strong start that saw them win their first six Premier League games.
But they got back on track by beating Watford 2-0 on Wednesday, giving the squad a lift as they prepare for Sunday’s meeting with third-placed Arsenal.
However, Guardiola will have to do without German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
The 26-year-old, who joined from Borussia Dortmund in June for a reported fee of £20 million (US$25.1 million, 23.8 million euros), was forced off with a knee injury during that game, and Guardiola admitted he faces a long absence.
“It’s so, so difficult for him,” said Guardiola.
“We are sad for him. We are going to miss him a lot. A lot. But it’s what it is. He’s unlucky; sometimes football is like this.”
In his short time in England, Guardiola has already faced criticism for lacking pragmatism, an accusation also levelled frequently at his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger.
Guardiola is full of respect for the way in which Wenger has pursued an attractive style of play during his 20 years in north London.
“Call him the commander-in-chief,” Guardiola said.
“He’s the boss, no? He’s the chief for Arsenal.
