Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is excited about the addition of Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov to the team by his club’s player scouting and transfer department this January.
Reis comes in from Brazilian side Palmeiras while Khusanov, the Uzbekistan international, comes in from RC Lens in France where he was regarded as one of the best young centrebacks in the league.
“Welcome to them. To the City family. [We are] Really pleased,” Pep said to the media ahead of his match with Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League. “They are young players, so they come for many years. Different types.
“Khusanov played here in France. He has extraordinary physicality and hopefully can learn English as soon as possible.
“Reis is a young Brazilian, very exciting. In the Champions League it is not possible that they play until if we have qualified for the last 16.
“In the Premier League they are able to play already.”
Both players have been unveiled to the fans and will join the team immediately and hope for an immediate debut. Their first game could be at the weekend when City face Chelsea although this match may be too big to give either player a debut seeing as City are still working their way back up the table after a massive slump.
Guardiola, meanwhile, is pleased with their additions and looks forward to managing them on the pitch.
The Spaniard also talked about his upcoming clash with PSG. After six games so far the Champions League, Guardiola’s side sit 22nd with eight points while PSG are in 25th with seven points. Either team needs to win to get further into the top 24, where they are guaranteed a playoff spot for a chance at qualifying for the round of 16.
PSG have the home advantage this time, which puts Man City on the back foot.
“Both teams have two matches. Of course, it’s a really important games for us and PSG. We have another game against Brugge, and I don’t know how many points we need,” Pep added.
“Maybe one victory we will be there. We were punished against Feyenoord. More games in the most difficult moment of the season and we couldn’t handle it.
“It’s new for everyone. It’s a really important game for both of us but we have another game in a few days.
“It’s new for everyone. It’s a really important game for both.
“We need six points, maybe four, maybe three. We will see.”
