Guardiola defends "strong" Bravo
The Manchester City boss says the Chilean must learn about English football's policy on fouls on goalkeepers, but has hailed the mental strength he has shown since his move.
Pep Guardiola has defended Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo from recent criticism of his performances.
Bravo has been written off by some fans and pundits since replacing Joe Hart in the City goal this summer.
The Chilean was blamed when City conceded a goal to Manchester United on his debut, was rounded on after he was sent off against Barcelona in the Champions League, and more generally has been accused of spreading unease among his back four.
But Guardiola has a completely different view, and he once again praised both Bravo’s mentality and ability.
"It's part of his job," The City boss said. "The media have opinions different to my mind.
“He's strong and has a lot of experience. Being captain for Chile is not easy.
"He played in important places and he's adapted quite quickly because it's not easy. For example here, with the long balls in the boxes, all around the world when you touch a goalkeeper it’s a foul, here in this country it’s not a foul. He has to learn these kind of things.
"But we are happy, I’m happy, with his behaviour, especially with his training, how he wants to learn. He has a lot of experience. I see the players in the bad moments, when they make a mistake with their feet, and how they react, and always he reacts like he's one of the best goalkeepers in the world".