Guardiola defends Khusanov, explains why 335m star can’t play as right-back

Guardiola defends Khusanov, explains why 335m star can’t play as right-back

Pep Guardiola has dismissed suggestions that Abdukodir Khusanov could be Manchester City’s long-term right-back solution.

The Catalan manager acknowledged that the Uzbekistan international has the qualities to cover the role, but cautioned that the relentless intensity of Citizens’ fixture schedule makes it unrealistic for the 21-year-old to handle the position full-time.

"We have to play every three days; no human being can do that," Guardiola told the media.

"I know for his physicality, he’s so fast and closed that (right) side really well. (He didn’t) lose too many balls, sometimes his energy makes him make not the right decision. (Patrick) Dorgu is so fast and he has incredible speed. Today (Khusanov) was really good."