He’s at one of the biggest clubs in the world, playing for one of the best managers.
But Zack Steffen isn’t feeling overwhelmed about his new role as the No. 2 goalkeeper at Manchester City, coached by Pep Guardiola.
The US men’s national team goalkeeper said he was properly prepared during his time at Columbus Crew SC under the leadership of now-USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter.
“He really loves Pep’s style,” Steffen told the Manchester Evening News. "He loves to keep the ball, loves his goalkeepers to be able to play out from the back, read the game well and do all that, so that definitely helped me transition into this position.”
Steffen, who had a successful loan stint at Fortuna Dusseldorf last year before injuring his knee, could make his City debut against either Bournemouth or Crystal Palace in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Sept. 24. He said Berhalter preparing him for this moment went beyond tactics.
“He was the coach when all this was happening at Columbus. We had many talks and he was supporting me with whatever I wanted to do,” Steffen said. "He definitely gave some great advice. He pushed me and just wants the best for me, on and off the field.”
