Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has explained his reason for starting Argentina striker Julian Alvarez and benching Brazil goalkeeper Ederson despite that they both made long trips to South America.

Guardiola said Alvarez looked fresh after his return, while Ederson wasn’t in a good position.

The Spanish coach explained: “I saw him sharp.

“He arrived but with him he said I feel fresher than I would say the other times I came from internationals.

“In the second game he played 45 minutes and was replaced by a player that is not bad like Leo Messi.

“They won and after you win it feels much better but for Brazil it didn’t happen.

“Eddy played 90 minutes. In the goalkeeper, l am not much involved. It’s not my decision most of the time.

“Okay it’s my responsibility but I listen a lot to [goalkeeping coach] Xabi Mancisidor and Juanma [Lillo] and we decide to do it.”

Alvarez scored the first goal for City against Brighton.