Claudio Bravo is not happy about being number two to Ederson – and he plans to do something about it.
The veteran Chile goalkeeper made a strong case with a man-of-the-match performance against Liverpool as Manchester City won the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.
And it seems that he considered leaving City in search of first team football – which prompted the interest in Eibar’s Asier Riesgo last month.
The fact that he stayed, after missing the entirety of last season with a ruptured achilles tendon, shows that he has his sights set on much more than a place on the bench.
Bravo still gets criticised for his part in Pep Guardiola’s tumultuous first season at City, when he bore the brunt of the team’s awkward adaptation to the new manager’s radical ideas.
The fact City splashed out £35million and installed Ederson as first choice proves they shared the fans’ misgivings.
But since the team has found its rhythm Bravo has looked far more like his old self when he has played, not least in defying Mo Salah and Co at Wembley.
And he has given notice to Ederson that he is not content to be a stand-in.
“I don't think there is a team in the world where there isn't competition inside the squad,” he said.
“I think football players have this competitive gene. Ederson has been performing amazingly since he arrived, but he is also aware that I'm behind him, putting pressure on him.
“I'm aware that when I haven't had the chance to play, my role is to support him, to help him and to give him advice.
“With my experience and my career, it makes sense that I am the one who supports not only him, but also the young goalkeepers in the squad.
“But I never lose the competitive gene and the hunger to keep training, playing, and fighting for trophies. I always want to be there.
“I think Ederson and the other young goalkeepers have an amazing potential, and part of my role is to support them and give them advice.”
Bravo’s demotion after one season led to a fractious relationship with Guardiola for a while, but that seems to have settled into the old mutual respect.
Bravo said of the manager: “It's very positive to have him there. Earning his trust is the most valuable thing you can get.
“You also have to work and perform as much as you can. I'm aware of what my role is and how I can contribute to the team.
“I was here during Guardiola's first season and it wasn't like we expected. He came to England with a football style and it is the same idea that remains now.
“Our fans know now that Manchester City plays differently than the rest of the teams, that we can create a goal chance playing from the build-up. That's part of the job we have done since we arrived.”
