This winter, Manchester City dynamited the transfer window. Authors of a nightmarish first part of the season, the Skyblues have decided to print money to recruit several players. Thus, Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush landed in the north of England for 155 million euros. Clearly gaining momentum for months with RC Lens, Khusanov was lured to the residents of the Etihad Stadium for 50 million euros.
Supposed to represent the future of the Mancunians' defense, the Uzbek played his first training sessions with his new teammates during the week. Thus, the latter was able to honor his first start this Saturday during the clash against Chelsea. A baptism of fire far from obvious for a player who was still playing at Energetik Minsk 18 months ago. And obviously, his beginnings were very complicated in the first minutes. A novice at such a level, the native of Tashkent made a mistake with enormous consequences in the first minutes of play.
Pep Guardiola defends Abdukodir Khusanov
Wishing to play behind his goalkeeper with his head, Khusanov did not press his head enough and this benefited Nicolas Jackson, opportunistic to serve Madueke against the empty goal (4th). Visibly affected, the new number 45 of the Cityzens lost another dangerous ball on the following action before receiving a logical yellow card a few seconds later (5th). After these absolutely nightmarish first five minutes, Khusanov had the merit of pulling himself together. Much more consistent subsequently, the 20-year-old was able to pull himself together after his failed debut through several precise interventions and well-felt restarts. Approved when he left in the 53rd minute, Khusanov was also able to count on the support of his coach at the end of the match.
“It's not easy for himadmitted Guardiola. He trains once and then he plays against Jackson, Cole, Madueke and Sancho. It's a process when you buy a player that young. He will learn. These kinds of actions are the best lessons we can learn. He doesn't speak English so I didn't speak to him. He'll be fine. He only participated in one or two training sessions. I didn't want to force John (Stones) to come back from injury – with Wednesday's game (against Club Brugge). The players were united. It was very important. Any player can make a mistake. Fans always support new players. He is so young. He will learn.» One thing is certain now: Abdukodir Khusanov will be keen to show a much better face next week. But the Uzbek will have his work cut out against Arsenal next Sunday (5:30 p.m.).
