RB Leipzig’s and former Manchester City left-back Angelino has denied saying Pep Guardiola “killed” him as a player.
The Spaniard, who has had two spells at the Etihad Stadium, joined the German club, initially on loan, in January 2020 after failing to earn a regular place in Guardiola’s side.
In an interview earlier this year he said the situation under Guardiola “killed” him but, ahead of Wednesday’s clash against his old club, has made clear he was purely referring to his confidence levels. It was not, he added, a suggestion Guardiola damaged his game or stunted his development. Indeed, he believes the opposite was the case.
“It is not that he killed me as a player,” said the 24-year-old, who will be in the Leipzig side for their Champions League Group A opener against City. “I have always said he made me the player I am today."
“In the time I was with him I couldn’t realise how much I was improving in training but since the first day I arrived here at RB I saw the improvements I made, thanks to him. I will always be thankful. It is just that I didn’t play. That is why I said he killed my confidence. I didn’t get much game time but I will always be thankful for the help he gave me last time I came here.”
Source: transfermarketweb.com