Pep Guardiola has touted his flying winger Jeremy Doku as a Manchester City star for the future.
Belgium scored the first goal and led the Brighton defense in a joyous dance in a thrilling first-half performance.
City manager Guardiola said: “He’s an exceptional winger. It’s smart. He has the quality to score the first goal. I’m really pleased with his impact since he came to us. You can be a star for many years to come. “
Guardiola saw his side hold on in the final minutes after squandering their boil, but added: “No team in the world can play a game for 95, 96 minutes. I was surprised that we did that for 55 or 60 minutes. “
City will face neighbours Manchester United next week in the Premier League opener following the death of Sir Bobby Charlton.
“I’m sorry on behalf of the Manchester City family, his family, the Manchester United family and English football. I think next week, when we go to Old Trafford, we’ll be there to pay our first respects.
“I love this country for so many things. One of them is the way they take care of the club’s legends. They are part of one and both clubs. Sir Bobby Charlton represented Manchester United and English football.
Brighton’s Solly March is facing a lengthy absence after being sidelined due to what appeared to be a serious knee injury, adding to a long list of absences.
Coach Roberto De Zerbi said: “We are wasting too many players. It’s tough and we’re going to play Ajax (Europa League) on Thursday without vital players. I don’t think we’re in a position to compete.
Returning to the second half after a lacklustre first game, he added: “We were too timid in the first half. We have to compete with more power and personality. We want to be bigger. “
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