Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued special praise to the work done by Girona manager, Michel concerning the development of Savinho.

The Brazilian international was purchased by the French club, who are part of the City Football Group, in June 2022 for an initial EUR6.5 million with a further EUR6 million in add-ons, before embarking on loan moves to PSV and Girona.

It was his career with the latter that threw him to the forefront of European football, contributing heavily to the Catalan club qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the very first time, and attracting interest from the Etihad Stadium.

But while Savinho is yet to record his first goal for Manchester City, his overall game and assist output is what is catching the eyes of many, who have already made comparisons to Riyad Mahrez - who shone with the same number 26 shirt during his five years at the club.

Speaking after Manchester City's 5-0 win over Sparta Prague on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola was keen to issue high praise on the player, but also credit the work done by both Michel and Girona as an organisation to bring the winger up to the level required.

"His aggression, this typical Brazilian go and lose the ball and try again! And try again," Guardiola opened. "But he's playing really good, he's a winger who can play on both sides... Being just three months with us, his level really, really, really high! Really high!"

The Manchester City manager continued, "I have the feeling he didn't need much time to adapt, to understand. I want to say something; it's thanks to the work of Michel at Girona - he has done it.

"The way they play is quite similar to us, and I think many things they learn with Michel and that's why I'm incredibly grateful and thankful for Girona, and Michel especially that the team has done with him."

The biggest challenge for Savinho will perhaps be having to perform for Manchester City every three days, with fixtures coming thick and fast for the Premier League champions at this stage of the ongoing season.

Following the midweek European clash, City take on Southampton at home in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, before taking on a Carabao Cup fourth round tie away to Tottenham in North London.

Savinho's injury record is largely positive and to date he has only sustained one minor problem whilst working with Manchester City, who have the best medical and fitness professionals to hand to reduce the risk of injury.