Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hailed Ola Aina as an “exceptional player” for Nottingham Forest ahead of Saturday’s Premier League encounter at the City Ground, Afrosport reports.
The Super Eagles forward has been a mainstay for Forest this season, playing every league game with two goals and one assist to his name.
Forest are currently third on the Premier League table, one point behind City in fourth, and Guardiola praised more players that have helped put them in a strong position for a top-four finish.
“It is quite simple. When you’re third in the table with 11 games left it is because you have done really, really well. It’s impressive,” the Catalan tactician said.
“They defend really well, are compact and aggressive. The players up front create many things. Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga are exceptional players.
“Ola Aina is an exceptional player. He can play on both sides. Elliott Anderson is physical and a top player as well.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola emphasised that finishing in the top four was City’s main goal for this season but acknowledged the tough competition with other teams behind.
“There are many different clubs fighting for this target. Everyone wants to be in the Champions League next season for many reasons,” he added.
“If it doesn’t happen for us then it’s because we haven’t been good enough and the other teams deserve it.”
A reminder of the table before the weekend’s matches get under way
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— Premier League (@premierleague) March 7, 2025
Only four points separate City in fourth and Aston Villa in 10th, with Chelsea, Newcastle United, Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham in between.
