Ante Palaversa on his 'Pep' talks with Guardiola as Aberdeen star responds to Pittodrie Pogba nickname

Ante Palaversa didn’t really make his mark at Manchester City but he will always cherish his Pep talks.

Pep Guardiola signed the current Aberdeen star for around £7 million from Hajduk Split back in 2019. The young Croatian had three years at City but spent the majority of that time out on-loan at the likes of Hajduk, Oostende, Getafe and Kortrijk. He didn’t play much under Guardiola but appreciated the way City’s all-conquering boss went to great lengths to keep an eye on his progress and to give him guidance and support throughout his time with 'the Cityzens'.

Palaversa admitted: “I was always on loan but after every game, it didn’t matter if it was an important game or not, there would be an individual report. What you have done good or what you have done badly. After every game I would have that connection with him (Guardiola) when he would call and we would speak about the game. It was really good. You have to come to that level (at Manchester City).”

Palaversa first went to City in the summer of 2019 where he trained with the likes of Rodri, Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva. The midfielder admitted it was an experience and one that drives him to get back to that level.

The Dons star recalled: “Back then I was training with those guys when I was not on loan, during pre-season. The level and quality of the training and games was amazing, the experience of that. When I was younger and had to learn a lot.”

Palaversa's career went off track when he left City. He had a frustrating spell at Troyes. Jimmy Thelin offered him an escape route and he grabbed it with both hands. He has been a stand out. Aberdeen have signed him for the season but have the option of another two years beyond that.

Dundee United