Adama Traore has shared insights about his post-match conversation with Pep Guardiola after Manchester City’s 3-2 victory over Fulham last weekend. During the match at the Etihad Stadium, Traore showcased his signature skills, displaying exceptional pace, strength, and determination as he continuously challenged City’s defenders. Despite his impressive performance, he missed out on converting several key chances in front of goal.
Traore and Guardiola have a long-standing connection, with both having spent time at Barcelona. After the final whistle, the two were seen speaking, continuing a trend that has become characteristic of Guardiola’s interactions with opposing players. One notable example dates back to 2017 when former Southampton winger Nathan Redmond had a similar encounter with the City manager. Initially, it seemed as though Guardiola was being overly confrontational, but Redmond later clarified that the manager was actually complimenting him, telling him, “You are a really good player.”
For Traore, the experience with Guardiola was equally positive. Speaking to El Larguero, he revealed that Guardiola offered some valuable feedback after the match. “I’ve known him for a few years, but it’s always appreciated,” Traore remarked. “He is the best coach in the world, without a doubt.” He went on to explain that Guardiola approached him to praise his performance, while also providing pointers on how to improve his finishing, referencing the missed opportunities Traore had during the game.
Their history goes back to Barcelona, and Traore noted that Guardiola has always been supportive. He recalled their earlier interaction when he was about to join Aston Villa, mentioning a call he received from the City boss at the time. The conversation reinforced the friendly and respectful nature of their relationship. Beyond this brief chat with Guardiola, Traore expressed contentment with his current situation at Fulham, who have been enjoying a solid start to the Premier League season. Fulham’s success under Marco Silva sees them sitting in a promising position, currently above teams like Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in the standings. Traore voiced his satisfaction with both his personal form and the team’s progress, adding, “The team is doing well, I feel good, I think we played well in the last game.”
Adama Traore Outpaces Kyle Walker but Misses Key Chance: Post-Match Reflections
While his interaction with Guardiola was a significant talking point, it wasn’t the only memorable moment from the match. A fan-fueled debate about who is the fastest player in the Premier League was reignited during the game. Adama Traore and Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker are both renowned for their blistering speed. According to data, Walker reached a top speed of 37.31 km/h, only narrowly surpassed by Micky van de Ven, who holds the fastest recorded speed since the 2020/21 season. Traore, on the other hand, has his own impressive record, clocking a top speed of 36.60 km/h.
In the 67th minute of the game, fans got a glimpse of just how quick Traore is when he managed to outpace Walker in a race towards goal. Despite beating Walker, Traore’s attempt to finish the play was thwarted by City’s goalkeeper Ederson, preventing Fulham from capitalizing on the opportunity.
As Manchester City continues their campaign in pursuit of their fifth consecutive league title, Guardiola will surely hope that Traore doesn’t fully implement the finishing advice he shared when the teams face off again at the end of the season.
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