Guardiola Says He Chose Walker As Bravo's Replacement Because Of His Braveness

9th Nov 2019 @ 19:03 By: Ugbana

Kyle Walker made his debut as a goalkeeper for Man City against Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday, November 6 The English defender stood in for Claudio Bravo who was red-carded in the game. Ederson had earlier been withdrawn from action with a suspected injury Manchester City star Kyle Walker was handed goalkeeping role during his side's 1-1 draw against Atalanta in their Champions League encounter on Wednesday night, November 6. The England defender took the place of Claudio Bravo, who was handed his marching order for fouling Josip Ilicic towards the end of the match. This came after Brazil international Ederson Moraes was withdrawn from the game at the start of the second half due to injury. Although, it is unsure if he would be fit enough to man the post for the defending champions when they travel to Anfield to battle table toppers, Liverpool this weekend. Walker spent over ten minutes between the sticks and made some very important saves as the Premier League side which helped them salvage a point at the end of the game. Guardiola had to substitute Riyad Mahrez to give room for Walker making his debut as a goalkeeper in a competitive game. City got the game off to a bright start with Raheem Sterling breaking the deadlock in the seventh minute but a 48th minute equaliser ensured the game ended in a stalemate. In his post match conference, Guardiola revealed Walker was suggested by City's goalkeeping coach to take charge between the sticks owing to the Englishman's "courage and quickness." "We didn't know before but Xavi Mancisidor, our goalkeeper coach, suggested him for his courage and because he is quick," Guardiola was quoted saying. "We are lucky we only conceded one shot on target when he was in goal but congratulations for the courage and desire to help the team in this position," the tactician added. It is further understood Walker often joins in with Man City's drills in training. Before facing Manchester City in this encounter, Atalanta have lost their last three games in Group C, and they needed to get a point for their fans. Atalanta started the encounter on a good note and they would have even scored the first goal in the fourth minute when Hateboer set up De Roon, but he could not beat Ederson Moraes.