“I’ve known Pep for many years, but it’s nice to see the BEST coach in the world compliment you. He came up to me and gave me advice ….Full Ham Star Adama Revealed what Pep Guardiola told him at FULL time

Pep Guardiola heaped admiration on Adama Traore after Manchester City’s 3-2 victory over Fulham.

Mateo Kovacic scored twice and Jeremy Doku added a third to return City to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday, with the visitors scoring via Andreas Pereira and Rodrigo Muniz.

But it could have been a different scenario if Traore had converted one of his several opportunities. The 28-year-old outpaced Rico Lewis in the first half, but blasted a shot at Ederson when clean through, before blasting over minutes later.

Then, in the second half, Traore overcame Kyle Walker in a foot race but could not go past Ederson one-on-one.

And after the game, Guardiola said, “Adama was unstoppable in the game. We had no control once he had the ball. “You must defend in your 18-yard box.”

City are still adjusting to life without Rodri after the midfielder was declared out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury.

“We do not have him this season, therefore we need to find a solution,” Guardiola added. “We have Kova [Kovacic], [Ilkay] Gundo [Gundogan], John [Stones], Rico [Lewis], and Manu [Akanji], so we need to figure something out.

“Of course, Rodri’s presence is vital in this sort of game with transitions, but we performed really well.”

On Doku’s goal, he said, “It was very, really nice.” We often talk about his dribbling abilities, but it is all about the last pass, or action.

“I was diagonal to him [when he made the shot], and the ball created an awesome curving effect. I am so delighted for him. He was excellent in the last game against Bratislava, and he was equally impressive tonight.

“The two with Kovacic worked well when they had five at the back since only the striker could guard him in that circumstance, making transitions less threatening. We employed that weapon, and Kova did really well.

“It was tough and tight; there were opportunities for both them and us. We started well and generated numerous chances, but it got difficult when they switched to five at the back. It was a risk, but we managed it in the end.

“Fulham is a really excellent squad. Marco [Silva] is a high-level manager who has worked with the company for many years. They have players they purchased in the summer, including two from Arsenal [Emile Smith-Rowe and Reiss Nelson], and they have a lot of talent.

“We have always been able to achieve it. Like Brentford, we played well for the majority of the game, but goals happen.

“The first goal, which came from [Raul] Jimenez’s assist, was unexpected, so you have to thank the opponent. They had more decent opportunities, too, but Ederson made some amazing stops.”🚏