Guardiola backs Bravo despite axing him

PEP GUARDIOLA has backed under-fire Claudio Bravo, insisting the Chilean is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Guardiola says he stands by his decision to replace Joe Hart with Bravo, even though he has dropped the former Barcelona star because of his struggles.

Bravo, 33, has not made a save since January 2 and has failed to keep out the last six shots he has faced against Everton and Tottenham.

He has been axed for City’s last three games, but a defiant Guardiola said: “My opinion of Claudio remains the same, he’s a top player, a top goalkeeper.

“He’s one of the best in the world. His long career speaks for itself.

“Football here is more particular, more crosses, more special things, but, of course, he is a top, top goalkeeper.

“For me, there’s no doubt about that. The decision I take is based on what I see. That’s why I’m here.”

City have won their last three games with Willy Caballero in goal and Guardiola claimed the Argentine has benefited from being better protected by his teammates. “In the last game we were more stable, we played better because we dictated the terms of our defensive movement, our buildup, our high pressing, so our goalkeeper suffered less,” said the City boss.

Guardiola claims he has not decided who will play against Bournemouth on Monday and when pressed about Caballero’s chances, he replied: “I don’t know. I have to decide.”

Although Guardiola has conceded the title to Chelsea because they trail Antonio Conte’s side by 10 points, he insists his side are still fighting in every game.

He was delighted by their spirit against Swansea when they won with a last-minute goal from star teen Gabriel Jesus.

“What this team did in the last game against Swansea is never give up,” said the Catalan.

“That is what is going to happen. Every game, we are going to be there until the last minute.

“Even in the games we lost 4-0 or 4-2, always we never give up. Sometimes the other team is better, congratulations, shake hands and we will improve, but those guys run and fight.

“I have seen a lot of improvements. Since ,for example, Tottenham at home and West Ham and Crystal Palace, we are more stable, we control more. “But every game is completely different. Bournemouth is a tough team and I think it will be a difficult

game.”