)
After months of brilliance for the 13-time league champions over the years, Pep, who many consider to be the best manager in the world, is impressed with how good Odegaard has become for Arsenal.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed why Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is “perfect” for Mikel Arteta’s "idea" of setting up Arsenal.
The Norwegian penned a new long-term contract which will keep him at Arsenal until the summer of 2028.
After months of brilliance for the 13-time league champions over the years, Pep, who many consider to be the best manager in the world, is impressed with how good Odegaard has been for Arsenal.
)
08:41 - 16.09.2023
FOOTBALL Why Michael Olunga should not be judged on goals alone despite Harambee Stars drought
Michael Olunga has faced criticism from a section of Kenyan fans over his lack of goals for Harambee Stars but he brings much more to the side
“He’s an exceptional player! Exceptional! His talent’s really good,” Pep Guardiola said during his pre-match press conference ahead of Man City’s game against Nottingham Forest.
“He became the captain because also – on and off the pitch – he’s really well, he has consistency – playing a lot of games. He suits perfect for the idea for Mikel and Arsenal. He’s a really, really good player!”
Arsenal signed Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid for just £30 million in the summer of 2021
There were a few eyebrows raised when this move first went through, with many criticising Mikel Arteta for signing the Norwegian ahead of other Premier League-proven players.
Odegaard, however, has proved all his critics wrong. He has been incredible for Arsenal over the last two years, and he’s getting better with each passing day.
)
06:23 - 20.09.2023
STARS ABROAD Meet Tayo Williams, the jaw-dropping Kenyan talent on trial at Bristol City
After growing up in Kenya and dazzling with his football skills, the exciting 14-year-old attacking midfielder managed to earn a trial at English club Bristol City.
Pep’s admiration for Odegaard is well documented. In 2015, the Catalan had plans to make Odegaard the best player on the planet when trying to sign him for Bayern Munich.
Former Middlesbrough and Norway striker Jan Age Fjortoft was a coach in the Norway national team's camp when Guardiola declared his hopes for Odegaard.
He revealed on the Here We Go podcast that Guardiola told him: '"You have to bring that boy to Munich, you have to bring him to Munich! I will make him the best player in the world."
In April, Guardiola was quick to praise the Norway captain yet again when he first encountered him at Bayern.
"I remember perfectly, he came with his father for two or three days of training sessions. I needed five minutes to think, 'this player plays good'", Guardiola told the media.
"I think he made a tour all over Europe, training for however many clubs. In the end, Arsenal was attractive for him, an exceptional player, captain at his age in Arsenal in a short time there is because you have to be a special personality, has the strength to be captain. Mikel [Arteta] wouldn’t give him captaincy if he didn’t have the strength to be captain."
)
06:56 - 23.09.2023
FKFPL ‘Give them time’- Boniface Ambani jumps to the defence of Tom Juma’s AFC Leopards
Angry AFC Leopards have expressed their dissatisfaction at the technical bench led by Tom Juma after producing three underwhelming results, but Ambani has called for them to be given time.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)