La Liga starlet reveals “dream” of playing under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City

Manchester City’s on-loan Brazil international full-back talent Yan Couto has revealed his personal “dream” of playing under Etihad Stadium head coach Pep Guardiola.

The 21-year-old has been enjoying one of his most successful seasons in his young, top-level professional playing career, securing his first senior cap with the Brazil national team towards the end of last year as a direct result of his Girona performances.

Manchester City continue to be patient with the youngster’s progression and development in the European game, having first signed Yan Couto from Coritiba in 2020 and beating intense competition from La Liga giants FC Barcelona.

But with another pre-season campaign upcoming with the Manchester City senior squad, the Premier League champions will have a decision to make on the next steps for Couto, and whether he could be integrated into their first-team squad for the first time.

Speaking as part of an exclusive conversation with TNT Sports Brasil, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Yan Couto has revealed while contact is somewhat limited with Manchester City’s manager, it is his personal “dream” to work under the legendary Catalan boss.

“I don’t always have contact with (Pep) Guardiola. But whenever I’m there (at Manchester City) we talk, he’s a very nice person, he’s always open to listening to us,” Couto explained during the ongoing international break.

“So I think that’s why he’s so successful and he’s a really good team player. So let’s see, I dream of playing with him because he’s an extraordinary coach. And I hope that one day I can play with him.”

Manchester City’s current club captain Kyle Walker has come under scrutiny at various points this season, and could yet be at the centre of transfer uncertainty during the upcoming summer market despite signing a contract extension during the previous window.

Walker tabled intense interest from Bayern Munich last summer, but ultimately a desperate last-ditch attempt from Manchester City ensured that the England international remained at the club following high-profile exits to Barcelona and Saudi Arabia after the Treble success.