Zack plans to keep pressure on Ederson
BRAZILIAN READY TO RETURN AFTER HAVING COVID
ZACK Steffen says it has been a ‘pleasure’ to deputise for Ederson in City’s past three matches.
The Blues’ No.1 keeper has been sidelined after testing positive for Covid-19.
The Brazilian was back on the bench, though, for yesterday’s FA Cup third round win over Birmingham City having been cleared to return to action after a negative test.
In Ederson’s absence, Steffen has helped City to three successive victories - 3-1 at Chelsea in the
Premier League, 2-0 at United in the Carabao Cup semi-final and 3-0 against Birmingham at the Etihad.
Asked if he hoped he had shown what he could do in the mini-run in the side, the United States international said: “Yeah. I love playing and it was great to get out there for a couple of games.
“I felt confident, I felt I got more in a rhythm.
“That’s why we play, to get out on the field.
“I felt the guys in front of me did a really good job in these last three games.
“It’s been a pleasure and I’m going to keep working hard to get back out there.”
This was Steffen’s seventh appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side so far in 2020-21.
He did not have a great deal to do against Championship opponents Birmingham - but another clean sheet will have done him no harm whatsoever.
“That’s our job, to stay focused for 90 minutes,” Steffen added.
“I’m lucky that I’m on a team where I get to push the ball out at least with my feet, so that will keep me active.
“It’s just about communicating and staying connected in the game.”
Bernardo Si Silva netted tw twice in the op opening 15 minutes u and Phil Foden ad added a third before th the break to effectively kill of off the tie.
For his first goal, Bernardo showed perfect technique to steer a high half-volley beyond keeper Andres Prieto.
“It was class,” said Steffen. “He’s a special player. “I was back there yelling and screaming. Congrats to him and congrats to the guys. It was a good performance.”
City return to Premier League action on Wednesday, when they host Brighton.
Currently fifth, they have a chance to keep the pressure on leaders Liverpool, United and the chasing pack.
Having already set-up a Carabao Cup final showdown with Spurs and booked a place in the last 16 of the Champions League, City will be looking to challenge on all fronts this term, including the FA Cup. “Absolutely,” said Steffen. “We want to lift as many trophies as we can, we want to win as many games as we can, and just play the best football that we can.”
It’s been a pleasure, and I’m going to keep working hard to get back out there City keeper Zack Steffen