Pep Guardiola Sends a Message to Nico González After Injury on Manchester City Debut
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered a message to new signing Nico González after the midfielder’s abrupt debut in the FA Cup fourth-round clash against Leyton Orient. The Spaniard, who joined City on transfer deadline day from FC Porto, suffered an injury midway through the first half and was forced off just 22 minutes into his first appearance for the club.
Guardiola’s side eventually came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over the League One outfit, but the injury to González was a setback in what was expected to be a smooth introduction to English football for the 23-year-old.
Speaking after the match, Guardiola pointed out that González now has a clear understanding of the physicality of English football, while also taking aim at the officiating. In his post-match comments to BBC Sport, the City manager remarked:
“Welcome to the Premier League and the referees. Maybe he knew about the referees because I understand it’s not easy. It’s not easy to do something when you play against teams like in League One.
“I know without VAR it’s more difficult because they are not used to it, and I know it’s a League One side, but there were one or two [missed] actions. There’s a penalty [that wasn’t given]. I think Nico now understands perfectly what [English football] is. I don’t know how hard [the knock] is, but he could not continue.”
González’s Tough Introduction to English Football
Wearing the No. 14 shirt for the first time, González started in central midfield alongside Mateo Kovačić. However, his debut took a turn for the worse when he was caught on the ball by Leyton Orient’s Sonny Perkins, leading to a bizarre opening goal for the home side.
Perkins’ challenge dispossessed the Spaniard, and Jamie Donley latched onto the loose ball, firing a speculative effort from near the center circle. The shot struck the crossbar and rebounded off the back of City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, resulting in an own goal that put Leyton Orient 1-0 up.
During the challenge, González suffered a back injury and was unable to continue, forcing Guardiola to replace him in the 22nd minute. The severity of his injury remains uncertain, but City will hope to have him available for their crucial UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg clash against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, February 11.
Manchester City Overcome Early Scare to Advance
Despite trailing at halftime, Manchester City responded in the second half. The equalizer arrived in the 56th minute when Rico Lewis fired a powerful shot towards goal, which took a deflection off Abdukodir Khusanov, leaving the Leyton Orient goalkeeper with no chance.
City eventually sealed the win in the 79th minute when substitute Kevin De Bruyne—making his first FA Cup appearance of the season—converted from close range after being set up by Jack Grealish. The victory ensured City’s progression to the fifth round of the FA Cup, where they will look to continue their pursuit of domestic silverware.
Looking Ahead
With González’s injury adding to City’s growing list of fitness concerns, Guardiola faces a critical selection dilemma ahead of the high-stakes Champions League clash against Real Madrid. The Premier League champions will be hoping their latest addition can recover in time to play a role in what promises to be a season-defining fixture.
