Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that James McAtee will be part of the first-team squad for the new season.
Speaking after the Cityzens won 4-2 against Chelsea in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday night, Guardiola confirmed that both the 21-year-old and Nico O’Reilly will stay at the Etihad and compete for places in the senior side:
“Every game was much better than the previous one. Kalvin [Phillips] grew up, Erling [Haaland] grew up. Jack [Grealish] makes an incredible few games. Rico [Lewis] has been unbelievable with Oscar [Bobb]. Today McAtee makes his potential as a football player. Nico [O’Reilly] as well, played a high level.”
“All the young player make some minutes. Today I make a debut for Stephen [Mfuni] at 16 years old. Everyone played. Some players will now be with the first team, some with the second, some for loan. Hopefully next season they’ll come back.”
“Both of them [McAtee and O’Reilly will be first team options]. The other ones still they are not ready to play with us. They have to be loan or second team. We will see their development because it always depends on them.”
McAtee’s future was up in the air
At the start of last month, it was reported that Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was interested in signing the midfielder. The Italian had worked with McAtee during his time as City’s Under 21 Head Coach. It is also believed that he wanted to take him on loan to Leicester last year before the player joined Sheffield United instead.
If McAtee hadn’t impressed Guardiola in pre-season, there was a strong chance that he would have left on a permanent basis this summer, but it looks like he will have a part to play heading into the new campaign.
City’s youngsters caught the eye in the USA
As Guardiola mentioned, it wasn’t only McAtee who impressed on the pre-season tour. Nico O’Reilly made a big impact and it appears as if he will provide backup for Rodri this campaign.
Oscar Bobb also looks set for a breakout year. The Norwegian was on the scoresheet once again versus Chelsea, meaning he has hit the back of the net twice and provided three assists in four friendlies over the last couple of weeks.
