Pep Guardiola praises brave Ederson, hopes to see him return soon

Bengaluru, September 11: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised goalkeeper Ederson's bravery after he was knocked out when caught by a high boot of Liverpool winger Sadio Mane during Saturday's 5-0 home win over Liverpool.

Mane was sent off by referee Jon Moss after the accidental clash, which happened towards the end of the first half and left Ederson needing treatment for eight minutes before being carried off in a stretcher.

The Brazilian thankfully did not suffer a concussion and was cleared of serious injury, and Guardiola said: "We play so high the goalkeeper has to play on the 18-yard box to help us with these forward balls.

"When the pitch was wet and the ball goes into that position, we have to defend with our goalkeeper.

"It is so important for us to feel that for our central defenders, with long balls, we have one guy to help us.

"But it was brave because Mane was coming and you could decide not to touch the ball. Unfortunately he is injured, but hopefully he will come back as soon as possible."

The Cityzens were leading 1-0 against the Reds when the incident took place as Ederson and Mane contested a bouncing ball.

The hosts doubled that lead in first-half stoppage time and went on to add three further goals after the break.

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne said: "I think the beginning was difficult, the intensity of the first half was very hard.

"I think after the first goal we took more control of the game. Unfortunately the red card happened - it's an accident, he caught him full in the face but it deserved a red even if it was not his intention.

"After that we played very well, took control of the game. Obviously, we deserved to win."