Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, a respected voice in world football, had high praise for two rising stars of Spanish football: Lamine Yamal and Joan García. During a press conference at the Legends Trophy charity golf tournament, organized by the Guardiola Sala Foundation at PGA Catalunya in Girona, the Catalan coach shared his thoughts on their promising futures.

Lamine Yamal: In the Perfect Place to Shine

Speaking about Barcelona young winger, Guardiola didn’t hold back:

“He’s in the best place possible to grow,” he said, highlighting the ideal environment surrounding the La Masia product.

Asked about the frequent comparisons to Lionel Messi, Guardiola urged caution:

“Let him follow his own path. We’ll see later if he can be compared to the greatest. What’s clear is that he’s a very good player. If he avoids injuries and setbacks, he has everything it takes for a great career,” he stated.

A Ballon d’Or Contender at 17?

Lamine Yamal name has also emerged as a potential Ballon d’Or candidate. Guardiola didn’t rule it out:

“If at 17 he’s already considered among the best, it’s because he deserves it,” he said.

Regarding the youngster recent contract renewal with Barça until 2031 a deal that could make him one of the highest earners in the squad Guardiola was candid:

“If they’re paying him, it’s because he deserves it. This affected Messi zero. Clubs aren’t stupid. I’m happy for him and for Barça,” he affirmed.

Joan García on Barça Radar And Guardiola Approves

Another name that came up was Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García, reportedly targeted by FC Barcelona. Guardiola had nothing but praise:

“He seems like a very good goalkeeper. I’ve been told he’s extraordinary,” he said.

However, he ruled out any interest from Manchester City in signing Barça current No.1, Marc-André ter Stegen:

“When it comes to goalkeepers, I don’t know much. I just tell them to stop the ball. We’ve been planning for weeks now, and Edi (Ederson) and Stefan (Ortega) will stay with us,” he clarified.

Praise for PSG and Support for Xabi Alonso

Guardiola also took the opportunity to congratulate his friend Luis Enrique, who recently lifted the UEFA Champions League with PSG:

“All of us who are close to Luis are very happy for him. He deserves it. They’ve had an extraordinary season. When we lost to them (4–2), I already sensed their power. They also knocked out Liverpool and Arsenal tough opponents,” he recalled.

Lastly, the City boss weighed in on the potential appointment of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid next manager:

“He showed with Bayer Leverkusen that he can go a whole season unbeaten. He knows the club, which is a big advantage. He understands which battles to fight and which to avoid. I have a lot of respect for him and wish him the best. I’m excited to see what he does,” Guardiola concluded.