âIt Was Never a Flukeâ: Pep Guardiola Reveals Shocking Truth Behind Claudio Echeverriâs Sensational Free-Kick Goal for Man City
In what turned out to be a magical night for Manchester City fans, 19-year-old Claudio Echeverri announced his arrival in stunning fashion, scoring a jaw-dropping free-kick against Al Ain. While supporters were still celebrating the Argentine wonderkidâs first-ever goal for the club, Pep Guardiola took to the post-match press conference to share a secret that has stunned even the most seasoned observers of football.
âIt was never a fluke,â Guardiola began with a smirk when asked about Echeverriâs curling strike that left the goalkeeper motionless. âWhat Claudio did tonightâheâs been practicing that exact shot every day for weeks. Not just once or twice⊠I mean dozens of times.â
According to the Spanish tactician, the youngster has been working closely with Cityâs coaching staff, staying after training sessions to perfect his technique. âWe would all leave the pitch, but heâd still be there, placing the ball, measuring his steps, visualizing the net,â Pep explained. âHeâs not just talentedâheâs obsessed.â
Echeverriâs performance against Al Ain was more than just a goal. From the moment he stepped onto the field, he showed the kind of composure, vision, and confidence rarely seen in players his age. But it was that incredible set-piece that truly lit up the Etihad.
The goal came in the 67th minute after a foul just outside the box. Fans expected a seasoned player like Kevin De Bruyne or Julian Alvarez to take the shot. But Echeverri stepped up, whispered something to De Bruyne, and calmly took control. Seconds later, the ball soared over the wall and dipped into the top right cornerâpure magic.
Guardiola revealed what Echeverri had said in that moment. âHe told Kevin, âLet me have this one. Iâve waited long enough.â Thatâs confidence. Thatâs character.â
City insiders say the club has been quietly grooming Echeverri for moments like these. Signed from River Plate amidst high expectations, the pressure on his young shoulders has been immense. But Guardiola insists the playmaker has taken it all in stride.
âHe reminds me of a young David Silva with a bit of Messiâs daring,â Pep said. âAnd thatâs not something I say lightly.â
Echeverri himself was humble after the match. âIt feels like a dream. But I know this is only the beginning. I still have so much to learn from this team, from the manager, and from the incredible players around me.â
Social media quickly exploded after the goal, with clips of his strike going viral within minutes. Football legends and pundits across the world praised the youngster, with Gary Lineker tweeting: âWeâve just witnessed the birth of a future superstar. What a hit by Echeverri!â
But perhaps the most touching moment came at the end of the match. As fans chanted his name, Echeverri walked over to the stands and pointed to the skyâa tribute to his late grandfather, who he says was his biggest inspiration. âHe used to tell me Iâd wear this shirt one day,â he told reporters. âTonight, I hope he was watching.â
With this performance, Claudio Echeverri has not only scored his first goal for Manchester Cityâheâs made a statement. And if Pep Guardiolaâs âsecretâ is anything to go by, this might just be the first of many spectacular nights from the young Argentine.
As Guardiola concluded with a wink: âThis kid is special. And trust meâheâs only getting started.â