Pep Lijnders was filled with reward for Abdukodir Khusanov after City’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool.
An Erling Haaland hat-trick and Antoine Semenyo strike took us right into a document eighth successive semi-final on a memorable afternoon on the Etihad Stadium.
The defensive unit had been glorious all through, with James Trafford making a second-half penalty save to take care of the clear sheet.
Khusanov was a key a part of that efficiency, with the 22-year-old making large strides in his second yr in Manchester.
Assistant coach Lijnders, chatting with the media after Guardiola’s touchline ban meant he watched the sport from the stands, lit up when requested in regards to the Uzbek.
“Every time I see Khusa on the training pitch or in the hall I say ‘fast!’. He’s so fast. But he’s calm as well,” he started.
“He defends so sensible and it helps when you have a whole lot of pace within the again. “
“Today the entire final line, all 4, the way in which we handled what number of gamers they placed on the within, how they attempt to make the runs, how we handled that and managed that and nonetheless be excessive.
“They performed actually good all 4. We noticed within the first aim kick how there was no resolution and he simply steps and commits into the midfield.
“He’s making steps and he has to make sure he keeps growing. A young player with lots of potential. There’s a lot of new players that can make that step.”
Watch the total press convention on the high of the web page…
