Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola defended backup goalkeeper Zack Steffen and said he should keep his place despite an error that led to Saturday’s 3-2 defeat by Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-finals.
After Ibrahima Konate’s header gave Liverpool the lead, USA international Steffen’s mistake gave the Reds a second goal in the 17th minute.
– ESPN+ Viewer Guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more
– You don’t have ESPN? Get instant access
“It was an accident but he has to try because that’s how we play our football,” Guardiola told reporters after the game.
“He deserved to play and after that he had a good game,” said Guardiola. “He made good saves and is an exceptional goalkeeper.”
Steffen took too long when he received a back pass from City defender John Stones. Liverpool striker Sadio Mane slipped into the goalkeeper and the ball flew into the net.
“We use our goalkeeper to put our opponents in different situations. I’m pretty sure Zack didn’t want that,” Guardiola said. “Sometimes the strikers miss in front of the keeper, sometimes the keeper makes a mistake.”
Steffen was one of the seven changes Guardiola made to the team that started in their Champions League game mid-week. The City boss opted to rest several of the team’s starters, including first-choice goalkeeper Ederson.
City lead the Premier League on 74 points, a point ahead of Liverpool with seven games to go. They host Brighton & Hove Albion in the league on Wednesday.