CITY KEEPING A COOL ED
EDERSON is so used to winning at Manchester City that he could head into Sunday’s derby and be forgiven for wondering if United ever really ruled the local roost.
His €38m move from Benfica in the summer of 2017 raised a few eyebrows but Pep Guardiola was determined to have a world-class keeper for the long term. By the end of that season, the Brazilian had his first league medal — with three more to follow in the next four seasons
— and he says he knew even then that it was only the beginning at City.
“It was a dream come true,” he said of that debut title triumph in 2017-18. “A goal set and accomplished. It was a league that I always dreamed of playing in.
“Conquering this title was the highest point for me because I know how hard it is to play in the Premier League. I know how difficult it is to lift the trophy.
“When you see the first season I had, where we won the way we won, what else can you expect from this team?
“We’re always seeking more. It’s no surprise to see the team in the level that we are today.
Quality
“I know the quality of my teammates, the quality of the club, the quality that our manager has, that our staff has, and this involves everything — the kit man, the cooks, the cleaning ladies, everyone.
“So this is not a title from the players and the manager. This is a title that involves every professional.”
There was one dramatic moment less than a month into his first season that could have had Ederson wishing he was somewhere else.
Liverpool came to the Etihad and with City a goal up, Ederson charged from his box only to be met by the raised boot of Sadio Mane, who caught him in the face and left him with a horrificlooking wound.
Mane was sent off, Ederson carried off. But remarkably, he was back training within 24 hours and played in Europe the following Wednesday.
He told City’s website: “I’m not afraid of hurting myself whether it’s in my face, hand, foot, thigh.
“This was a play that I ended up leaving the match on a stretcher. But I was conscious the entire time.
“I really wanted to keep playing but the doctor said that it was not possible because the cut was too big and deep.
“The next day, I was back in training. The incident made me a stronger player. I never omitted myself from a challenge for the ball. I keep playing the same way with no fear of hurting myself.
“After that moment, I was training the next day. The guys asked me how I was. I said fine, it was only a cut.”
The club ethos where everyone is part of the success helped the 29-year-old from Sao Paulo to settle quickly in England and now he is ready to take the next step up as City try to win a third consecutive league crown.
Mature
“I see a guy who is mature, fulfilled,” Ederson said of himself. “A guy who is very adapted to the city and that my family is adapted too.
“My two kids, the middle boy and the youngest girl, were born here in England so they already have a strong connection with England.
“I feel that every player needs to evolve each day. There are no perfect players and there are no perfect keepers.
“You always need to look to improve, dedicate yourself, work to your maximum. With me it’s no different.
“I am a guy who dedicates myself to the maximum.”