Pep Guardiola praying Ederson does not suffer mental scars after Sadio Mane clash as Petr Cech famously did for Chelsea
Czech Republic stopper fractured his skull in challenge with Reading's Stephen Hunt in 2006 and has had to wear cap since
PEP GUARDIOLA is praying Ederson does not suffer any mental scars after his horror clash with Sadio Mane.
The Manchester City keeper’s face needed eight stitches and was also badly bruised following a boot in the face from the Liverpool forward.
Yet Ederson trained yesterday wearing a skull cap — and is keen to play in the Champions League opener against Feyenoord.
His protective cap is similar to the one worn by Petr Cech since his collision with Reading’s Stephen Hunt back in 2006 while with Chelsea.
The Arsenal keeper has previously admitted how hard he found it to get his confidence back after that incident.
City boss Guardiola was asked if his new £34.9million stopper could also be affected psychologically and said: “I could understand that feeling. Of course it can happen, we will see.
“But Ederson is here, he’s got protection.
“In Tuesday’s training there were three long balls and he was there.
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“We’ll see if he plays. I have to speak with him.”
And Ederson has impressed his team-mates with the way he has bounced back from Saturday’s incident.
Defender John Stones said: “Ederson has got on with it. After the game, in the changing room, he was speaking to the boys as if nothing had happened.
“That shows what character he has. He just wants to be around the team, in that environment.
“I’ve personally not tried to ask him too much about it because I know everyone else will be. Everyone saw his face — the stitches and swelling — but he has put on a scrum cap and has been training with us.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola hinted at another row with club legend Yaya Toure, who did not board the flight to Rotterdam with his team-mates.
The Ivorian, 34, found himself frozen out over comments made by his agent Dimitri Seluk this time last year — but earned a new deal.
Now Guardiola suggested he wants to see MORE from Toure in training.
He said: “I spoke with Yaya and he knows why but it’s between him and me. It’s a sporting decision.
“He was so important last season. Six players finished their contract and he was the only one who stayed because he’s a special player.
“I demand a lot — not just from Yaya — but from all my players.”
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