Pep Guardiola has praised Harry Kane ahead of Manchester City’s trip to Tottenham and believes Pedro Porro will be ‘a good signing’ for the north Londoners.
Manchester City face Spurs in the capital this weekend as the champions look to keep in touch with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
It will be the second meeting between the sides in just over two weeks, after City came from two goals down to win 4-2 at the Etihad last month. The game will also feature the Premier League’s top two goalscorers, with only Erling Haaland having scored more goals than Harry Kane (16) this season.
City were interested in a deal to sign Kane in 2021, before completing the signing of Haaland the following summer. Guardiola was full of praise for the England captain and says Kane is ‘one of the best strikers’ he has seen.
“I’m extremely happy with Erling. Of course, Tottenham are happy with Kane. What an exceptional player,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference.
“The numbers he has done, more than the goals but the quality. They didn’t win a title so he’s not a good player? He has proved the statistics isn’t in the titles. He remains one of the best strikers I have seen in my life. Are managers bad if they don’t win titles?
“Tottenham are happy to have him, we’re happy with Erling who can give us many years.”
Spurs could hand a debut to Pedro Porro this weekend, who signed from Sporting Lisbon on deadline day.
I have arrived, to work, and may there be many victories and conquests! let's go guys .???? #COYS @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/r4FhGIKkH7
— Pedro Porro (@Pedroporro29_) January 31, 2023
Porro spent three seasons at Manchester City without making a senior appearance, before flourishing following his move to Portugal. Guardiola believes the right-back will prove a good signing for Spurs.
“Perfect to play five at the back, last season we suffer when we play against Sporting. This season Tottenham vs Sporting, a good signing for Spurs.”
City inserted a buy-back clause into Porro’s sale to Sporting, but said the club did not consider re-signing the Spaniard.
“No, he was on the list but we didn’t think about the buy-back. He decides to go to Spurs.”
Spurs will be without Antonio Conte this weekend after the Italian underwent surgery to remove his gallbladder. Guardiola discussed the impact of Conte’s absence, before wishing the 53-year-old well in his recovery.
“Antonio is an active person in the touchline, guides really well the team. They know really well the patterns. They know exactly, we want him to get well soon and be back in his position.”
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