Manchester City manager hails the Italian as “a big presence” in front of goal
Pep Guardiola has said his side will use new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s own qualities rather than ask him to mimic Ederson’s style.
Donnarumma joined from Paris Saint-Germain this summer following Ederson’s departure to Fenerbahce after an eight-year stay in Manchester, but the Italian is known for his shot-stopping skills rather than his passing.
“Always I try to adapt to the quality of the players,” said Guardiola. “I will not demand Gigi to do something that he is uncomfortable with.
“We are talking about one of the best players I’ve ever seen in the distribution, short and long, with Ederson. So we didn’t take Gigi to do what Ederson has done. Gigi has another quality.
“It’s not about undermining the other one. They are different.”
Ederson was central to City’s dominance under Guardiola, well known for his ability to build play with precision from the back and act as an extra man when playing out of the press.
In his eight-year stay at the club he won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League.
“Ederson helped us to create in a special way,” said Guardiola. “He’s a special guy. He did everything here, won everything.”
In contrast to Ederson’s passing, City’s manager praised Donnarumma’s stature, describing him as a “big presence”. The 26-year-old Italy international is 1.96 metres tall.
Guardiola said: “He’s so huge. So tall. That’s what he gives us. He’s a big presence. We play on big stages. He’s going to concede goals, that’s for sure, but all of us are going to try to help him.”
