Ederson believes Manchester City already have "the next manager in mind" for when Pep Guardiola departs the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola's contract with the Citizens expires at the end of the 2024-25 season, and the Spaniard is undecided on his long-term future.

The 53-year-old has guided City to six Premier League titles - including an unprecedented four in a row - since joining the club in 2016, as well as the Champions League, Club World Cup and four Carabao Cup triumphs.

Ederson, whose own future at the Etihad was also recently under speculation, knows it will be "a great loss" on the day Guardiola ends his stay with City.

However, the goalkeeper thinks the club are prepared for when the time arrives.

"City is a very well-structured club, well-managed, it has great directors, a great CEO, a great coach," Ederson told TNT Sports Brazil.

"I believe the club already has the next manager in mind. The day Pep decides to leave, they will try to follow the same line of work.

"Of course, it would be a great loss. I have no doubt about that, because you are talking about the best coach in the world. I see a club very well-prepared for post-Guardiola."

Ederson says it is an honour to be a part of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, though admitted the manager can be "sometimes annoying".

The goalkeeper joined City in June 2017 and has since kept 113 clean sheets in 257 Premier League appearances, more than any other goalkeeper in the competition since his debut.

He has won 15 major trophies with City, including six Premier Leagues, two FA Cups and a Champions League title, as well as the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup under Guardiola. 

While on international duty with Brazil, Ederson attended an event for Children's Day and was asked if Guardiola was nice, annoying or angry by one child.

"You're going to get me in trouble," Ederson told ESPN Brasil. "He's all three.

"He's a nice guy, he's sometimes annoying, in the sense of [being] demanding, because he has to [be] demanding to a professional [player], and he's also angry when he has to be angry.

"So he has a mixture of all three. But he's a nice guy off the pitch, and he's a very, very demanding guy on it. And he's also a guy who gets angry like any other person, like any other coach, when things don't go well or when the team doesn't play well.

"Of course, we know that we're not going to be able to play 70 games at a brilliant level. Of course, in one game or another, there's going to be a dip."

Under Guardiola, City became the only English club in history to hold all five trophies – Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Super Cup and Club World Cup – in a calendar year (in 2023).

In the English top-flight, Guardiola has overseen 311 games since July 2016, winning 230 of those (D43 L38). He has a 73.95% win percentage in the competition and averages 2.36 points per game.

And Ederson believes the Spaniard, who has been named the Premier League manager of the season five times, has changed football in the competition.

"I've been able to play a big part in the project," he said. "You take everything Guardiola has built up with the group, with the squad and everything he's been able to reformulate practically.

"You see every Premier League game today, how the teams try to play more football, have more possession. It's completely different from when he arrived.

"So to be able to be part of this project and achieve everything I've achieved, I feel very honoured, it really is a childhood dream."

Pep Guardiola admitted that Ederson came close to leaving Manchester City in the transfer window but stayed because a fee could not be agreed.

The Brazilian was linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in the off-season, with both Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad both reportedly interested in his signature.

Since joining the club in June 2017, Ederson has kept 113 clean sheets in 257 Premier League appearances, more than any other goalkeeper in the competition since his debut.

He has won 15 major trophies with City, including six Premier Leagues, two FA Cups and a Champions League title, as well as the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.

Ederson has played in all seven of City's Premier League matches so far this season, keeping just one clean sheet and conceding eight goals from an expected goals on target (xGoT) of 8.54.

Guardiola is delighted that he was able to keep hold of Ederson, who continues to play a pivotal role in the team.

"He is an important figure with our team," Guardiola told the club's website.

"We are lucky to have him, and I hope he is happy. Eddy knows us really well and what we have to do.

"He knew from day one that I didn't want him to leave. The truth is the offer didn't come. The real offer.

"They make an offer but the keeper, who won four Premier Leagues in a row, he has a value and a price. Otherwise, he cannot leave.

“If the offer did come, maybe he should not be here. This is the truth.

"Ederson is so strong, but when he changed his mind, in one second he said he is here, and he is going to do his best."

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has suggested that the form and ability of compatriot and Manchester City stopper Ederson pushes him to be better on the field.

Since making his Premier League debut in August 2018, the Brazilian has prevented more league goals than any other goalkeeper according to Opta's goals prevented metric.

He has also kept 89 clean sheets, with only Ederson (97) managing more in the same period.

"Ederson is a fantastic guy and in the national team, we have a really good relationship," said the 31-year-old, during an interview for BBC's Football Focus.

"I really like his composure… When I look at him, I can see that this is the way that I have to play. I have to be cooler with the ball at my feet even when I am under pressure.

"I think in a way we push each other because I see him doing well, and I know I have to do better.

"It's healthy competition, we push each other, and it's the best for the national team."

Since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2018, Alisson has won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup, along with the 2019 Copa America with Brazil.

But he insists that while he has enjoyed the success he has achieved, they are not his main source of drive.

"My main motivation is not the prizes… my motivations come from inside," he added.

"My faith in God makes me work hard and better. I really believe that everything I do is a way to praise God.

"Winning trophies and awards makes me happy, but my motivation comes from inside, my family."

Alisson and Liverpool are aiming to emulate some of the success achieved by former manager Jurgen Klopp, who signed him, under the leadership of his replacement Arne Slot.

Slot has made a bright start to life at Anfield, winning six matches out of seven in all competitions, while they currently occupy second in the Premier League, one point behind leaders Man City.

The new ideas brought in by the Dutchman have been warmly embraced by the Liverpool players, according to Alisson.

"We were great before, but Arne is bringing us a new energy and knowledge," he said.

"He is a really smart manager, and he is helping us a lot. You can see from how we are playing now.

"We are committed to the plan and can see it is a good plan. We still have a lot to improve, but we are [going] in the right direction. We have a big gap to reach for our best, but we are doing well so far."

Following the departure of senior players such as Jordan Henderson and James Milner in recent seasons, Alisson is now one of the oldest and most experienced players within the Liverpool squad.

That has seen him take on more leadership responsibilities alongside other established players, having rejected a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer.

"I am committed to this club 100% and that involves being part of the leadership group," he said.

"We have a lot of young players coming in, new players coming in, old players going out, there is a completely new staff.

"The challenge for us was to keep the good things, pass these onto the staff and the players coming in, and embrace the good stuff that the new staff are bringing.

"It was a big challenge for this leadership group and I really believe we are doing quite well. We are sharing the responsibility and telling young players they need to step up as well.

"This club is special and the people who work here are special."

Ederson has confirmed he will stay at Manchester City for the upcoming season amid interest from Saudi Arabia, having held productive talks with boss Pep Guardiola.

Ederson has become a fan favourite at the Etihad Stadium since arriving from Benfica in 2017, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups and the Champions League.

However, the Brazil shot-stopper has seen his future called into question throughout the off-season, with Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal both linked with a big-money move for him.

Ederson said last month he had yet to make a decision on his future, but that has changed after talks with Guardiola and others in the City hierarchy.

The 30-year-old has now committed his future to the club, telling ESPN Brazil after Saturday's Community Shield win over Manchester United: "The decision has been made. 

"I will stay at Manchester City this season. I spoke to Pep and it was crucial. 

"I'm happy to stay, fully focused on winning more titles here. I also spoke to the board, the directors, my team-mates and I'm staying."

Ederson saved a spot-kick from Jadon Sancho as City beat United on penalties at Wembley on Saturday, with Jonny Evans sending his kick over the bar before Manuel Akanji won it for City.

He also stepped up to convert City's fifth kick when a miss would have handed United victory, leading Guardiola to describe him as the club's joint-best penalty taker alongside Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.

Ederson has kept 112 clean sheets in 250 Premier League appearances for City, placing him joint-seventh in the competition's all-time charts for shutouts, alongside Peter Schmeichel.

Petr Cech (162), David de Gea (147), David Seaman (137), Pepe Reina (134), Hugo Lloris (127) and Tim Howard (116) are the only goalkeepers with more.

Ederson says he has yet to make a decision about his future at Manchester City amid interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.

The Brazilian goalkeeper has been heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad this transfer window, with Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr interested in his signature, though the latter reportedly pulled out of the race.

Pep Guardiola is keen to keep his goalkeeper at the club, saying "I wish from the bottom of my heart Eddie will continue with us" when asked about the prospect of him leaving.

Ederson has proved an integral figure for City since arriving from Benfica in 2017, making 332 appearances in all competitions and keeping 155 clean sheets.

The 30-year-old is currently on City's pre-season tour of the United States having missed the Copa America with an eye injury, and started their 3-2 defeat to Milan in New York on Saturday.

Speaking after that game, Ederson admitted he still did not know where his future lies, but welcomed the praise from Guardiola.

"There isn't a decision yet," he said. "To hear Pep saying that was very gratifying.

"It's now my eighth season with him, living many good moments, also some bad ones. He's a guy who is easy to work with, he's a football genius and everyone knows that. So, it's really good to hear that from him.

"I'm happy here, having a good moment with my team-mates. I'm enjoying as well to get my fitness back on track. I'm very calm, whatever happens is in God's hands and he knows the right way to go. Whatever he gives me I'll be happy with."

City's next friendly on their pre-season tour will see them face Guardiola's former side Barcelona in Orlando on Tuesday. 

Brazil coach Dorival Junior has replaced the injured Ederson for the Copa America and called three more players up to an expanded squad.

South American governing body CONMEBOL announced that teams can now name a 26-man squad, up from the original 23 allowed at the tournament.

Dorival Junior has called upon Juventus defender Bremer, Atalanta midfielder Ederson and Porto forward Pepe as the extra players for his team.

Manchester City's Ederson will not be fit to play at the Copa America, so Sao Paolo's Rafael has been called up in his place.

The goalkeeper suffered a small fracture on his eye socket in a heavy collision with Cristian Romero against Tottenham and missed the end of their league season.

Brazil’s original 23-man squad, announced earlier this month, did not include Casemiro, Richarlison or Gabriel Jesus, though 17-year-old prodigy Endrick was included.

Selecao are nine-time winners of the Copa America and will kick off their campaign against Costa Rica in Group D on June 24. 

Ederson believes Manchester City can make this their greatest ever season by winning a famous treble.

City can reduce Premier League leaders Arsenal's advantage to five points by beating bottom-of-the-table Southampton on Saturday, with the Gunners taking on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola's side then face Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

City travel to Bavaria for the second leg on April 19 and face Sheffield United in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley three days later.

Goalkeeper Ederson thinks the Premier League champions have a great chance of getting their hands on all three trophies.

The Brazil international told Sky Sports: "I think for me personally it has been a good season but for the team as well.

"We are still in three competitions and that is really important. We are still capable of winning them all.

"In the Premier League, we are behind Arsenal but with a game in hand and a game against them at home, so we are still in the race. In the Champions League, we have a really difficult game against Bayern Munich, a good team with experience in the competition.

"In the FA Cup, we are facing a Sheffield United team that are having a really good season in the Championship.

"But we are still alive in all those competitions and the team feels in a good way. We started the season really well, had that little dip, but now it feels like we are back to our best, and if we keep that up until the end of the season, I think we have a really good chance in all three competitions."

Ederson believes there is "a big possibility" Carlo Ancelotti will take over as the next head coach of Brazil.

Real Madrid boss Ancelotti has been touted as a contender to succeed Tite, who stepped down as planned after Brazil's World Cup quarter-final defeat to Croatia.

Ancelotti is under contract with Madrid until the end of next season, while the Brazilian Football Confederation last month denied an agreement had been reached with the Italian.

However, speaking at a press conference ahead of Brazil's friendly with Qatar 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, Ederson said he would not be surprised to see Ancelotti take charge.

"I was discussing this with Casemiro, Vinicius Junior, [Eder] Militao. There is a big possibility that he comes," said Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson.

Ancelotti has won 25 trophies across his 28-year managerial career, including four Champions League titles, two for Milan and two in separate spells with Madrid.

"Just look at his CV. We will know shortly whether he will be here or not," Ederson said. "I hope we can have a new coach quickly.

"I feel the anticipation too because there's too much speculation. Is it a Brazilian or a foreign coach? We are also living that phase of anxiety."

Asked last month about the possibility of taking over from Tite, who spent six and a half years in charge of Brazil, Ancelotti said: "I have a contract with Real Madrid until 2024."

Under-20 coach Ramon Menezes will oversee Saturday's friendly with Morocco in Tangier.

Pep Guardiola revealed his frustration at an Ederson yellow card last month as he suggested Newcastle United would be allowed to get away with wasting time against Manchester City.

There has been plenty of focus on Newcastle's gamesmanship this season, with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag describing the Magpies as "annoying" ahead of the EFL Cup final.

When the topic was raised with Guardiola, however, he preferred to fume about punishment dished out to his goalkeeper in the top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal.

"If [there is] a waste of time, we will have a yellow card for Ederson," Guardiola said. "Don't worry.

"We are the team with the least waste of time, and the first time we go to Arsenal away, after 35, 37 minutes, we got a yellow card, so don't worry about wasting time."

If Newcastle were allowed to get away wasting time at the Etihad Stadium in Saturday's early kick-off, Guardiola suggests that would be nothing new for City's opponents.

"It depends on the referee, but I'm pretty sure the yellow will be for Ederson," he said.

"How many thousand million games [do] teams come to the Etihad Stadium and waste time with their keepers? Twenty seconds every time – the goal-kick – and nothing happens. Absolutely nothing.

"And after, we go there [to Arsenal], we want to be active to play and we get a yellow card."

Erling Haaland is the striker Manchester City needed and suggestions the Norwegian only scores "easy" goals are "a lie", according to his team-mate Ederson.

Haaland has scored 32 goals in 31 appearances for City across all competitions since his move from Borussia Dortmund last year – more than any other player from Europe's top five leagues.

He has hit 26 of those goals in the Premier League, but with City struggling to pull clear of Arsenal and Manchester United in the title race, the 22-year-old has attracted criticism recently.

Arsenal great Thierry Henry suggested Tottenham's Harry Kane may have been a better fit for City, while former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said Haaland "might have picked the wrong club".

However, Ederson believes Haaland is well-suited to City's style, though he acknowledges Pep Guardiola's men have had to adapt to his characteristics. 

"When he arrived, we said he was going to score a lot – and that's been happening. He is a brilliant goalscorer, he always looks to score and help the team," Ederson told UEFA.com.

"He is the striker we needed, because in comparison to Gabriel [Jesus], they are different players. Gabi likes to come in from out wide, he is stronger and more versatile. Haaland plays more centrally, looking to get into the box, he is a target in the area. 

"That has been the major difference. When you get into the final third you have someone who will always be in the area.

"Many people say most of the goals he scores are easy – but that is a lie. It's his positioning – that's his best ability. He doesn't score easy goals, he positions himself very well. 

"I hope he continues to score many goals, making us happy and we'll keep working together for all the titles."

City return to Champions League action when they visit RB Leipzig for the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday, and with Haaland netting 28 times in 23 appearances in the competition throughout his career, the club hope his finishing ability will help deliver their first European crown.

Ederson is in no doubt as to the importance of continental success to City, saying: "That's our main objective, the main objective of the club. 

"We've been trying [to win it] and will carry on trying. We haven't won it yet, we reached the final [in 2021], and a few semi-finals, and we didn't come out of it with a good result. 

"But I think this year, we're more than capable of getting to the final and challenging for the title.

"Now this title is what the club needs, it's what we athletes need and it's what Guardiola needs here at the club, too. This year, we're going to try. We're going after it."

Haaland scored six goals in four appearances against Leipzig during his time with Dortmund, averaging a goal every 60 minutes against them. 

Brazil goalkeeper Ederson says the Selecao can only fulfil their World Cup dream if they have a "victorious mentality" over the coming weeks.

Tite's side are chasing a first success in football's most prestigious competition since 2002, with their campaign set to get underway on Thursday against Serbia in Group G.

Further challenges against Switzerland and Cameroon await them, as they look to end a two-decade wait at Qatar 2022, with many tagging them as the favourites.

But Manchester City stopper Ederson says any reputation will only be lived up to if they give it their all and keep their eyes on the prize.

"We know how difficult it is, but we have a good team with total capacity of reaching the final and trying to win it," he told his club's official website.

"We need to have this mentality, a victorious mentality. We need to think that we are going to be there, we will work to be there and that's what we'll do.

"A World Cup is a World Cup. When you talk about the World Cup, what comes into the mind of any player that can play it, is the image of him lifting the trophy - and it's no different to me.

"When I think about the World Cup, I imagine Brazil lifting the trophy."

We are in the home stretch in the Premier League, which means everything is at stake – in the fantasy leagues, that is.

It is that time of the year when fantasy managers start to go over which games matter at opposite ends of the table to maximise points hauls.

Stats Perform has you covered with some Opta-powered recommendations below, so here are our suggestions for a new goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and striker.

EDERSON (Manchester City v Newcastle United)

Following their dramatic Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid, there is a possibility Manchester City players might actually breathe fire on Sunday against Newcastle United.

It will likely mean sporadic and low-quality opportunities for the Toon and, ultimately, light work for Ederson in City's goal.

Another clean sheet for the Brazil international will see him record at least 20 in a Premier League season for the second time, the last being in 2018-19. The next best to Ederson's 90 clean sheets since 2017-18 is Liverpool's Alisson, with 64.

GABRIEL MAGALHAES (Arsenal v Leeds United)

Arsenal's Champions League hopes could hinge on this weekend, with nearest rivals Tottenham coming up against Liverpool. The Gunners need points against favourable opponents.

Only Chelsea's Reece James (five) has scored more Premier League goals for defenders this season than Gabriel's four for Arsenal, with all of them coming from corner situations.

With that in mind, Leeds are one of the five sides in the Premier League this season to have conceded at least 10 goals from corners.

DEJAN KULUSEVSKI (Liverpool v Tottenham)

However, Arsenal's need to pick up points against Leeds does not mean Tottenham players are off-limits, and Antonio Conte's side on the counter-attack are a tough proposition for any club in Europe.

Dejan Kulusevski has come to life at Spurs after a middling spell at Juventus, with no player in Europe's top five leagues providing more assists since his first start in the Premier League. 

On top of Kulusevski's eight assists, only Son Heung-min (15) and Harry Kane (14) have been involved in more Premier League goals than him (11) over the same period.

RICHARLISON (Leicester City v Everton)

Leicester's struggles in possession once again came to the fore on Thursday against Roma, and on Sunday they will have to back up against one of the Premier League's most dynamic players in transition.

Richarlison has almost single-handedly propelled Everton's push for Premier League survival, with six involvements in their last eight goals.

At this rate (12 goal involvements), the Brazil international is on track to match his tally of 16 from the 2019-20 season.

Alisson sees similarities between himself and Brazil colleague Ederson but accepts the Manchester City goalkeeper "looks more cool".

Liverpool keeper Alisson moved to the Premier League in 2018, 12 months after Ederson had signed for City.

The two have since set the standard in England and beyond, establishing themselves as two of the best shot-stoppers in world football.

Alisson has the gloves for Brazil, earning 54 caps to Ederson's 18, but there is little to separate the pair.

They each have 17 clean sheets in the Premier League this season – five more than their nearest rivals – while only Josa Sa (10.0) and David de Gea (6.0) have prevented more goals according to expected goals on target data.

Alisson has saved 75.6 per cent of the on-target shots he has faced, preventing 1.7 goals, with Ederson's save percentage of 71.0 slightly lower as he has prevented 1.8 goals.

Where Ederson comes out on top, though, is with the ball at his feet. Alisson's passing accuracy of 84.8 per cent ranks second among Premier League keepers but trails his countryman's outstanding 88.4 per cent. The City man is the only keeper in the division to complete more than half of his long passes (56.4 per cent), too.

Ederson's ability in possession was on show last week in a moment that garnered plenty of attention when Alisson and Liverpool visited the Etihad Stadium for a 2-2 draw.

A rare slack touch in his six-yard box, with Diogo Jota closing in, did not concern Ederson, who calmly played a square pass along his goal-line – showing the cool that makes him stand out.

"Ederson is a fantastic goalkeeper, fantastic guy as well, really nice," Alisson told Liverpool's official website ahead of another meeting with City in the FA Cup semi-finals.

"We have a good relationship playing together in the national team, fighting for a place in the team. 

"The things that he has achieved with his team as well are big, the level he's playing as well is high. 

"He's among the top goalkeepers in the world – maybe top three, four in my opinion. One of the best with the feet, if not the best. 

"I think we have a similar approach to the game. We are calm on the pitch, calm with the ball, players who like to play with the team as well, like to build up. We also play with teams who like to build up from behind – not only long kicks. This helps us. 

"I think he looks more cool than me – sometimes I am more angry or put more energy on things.

"Each one of us has our own skills, our own characters, but we are performing really well and in a consistent way as well."

Ederson's unerring calm was highlighted by Pep Guardiola this week, telling reporters: "This guy is crazy, honestly. Sometimes, I think, if he doesn't feel something...

"For me, for a keeper, it's top to have that feeling. Concede a goal? He's calm. Make a save? He's calm. He's so stable and, as a keeper, it's fantastic.

"For the people outside, it's completely different. In that moment, I thought it couldn't be as close [to the line]; after, I saw the image on TV. It's one inch to the goal, and it doesn't matter."

Manchester City and Liverpool goalkeepers Ederson and Alisson are two of the best shot-stoppers in world football, and David James concedes it is a struggle to pick an outright favourite.

Brazil duo Ederson and Alisson will meet on Sunday as Manchester City host Liverpool in a crucial game in the Premier League title race.

The goalkeepers have been the standout shot-stoppers in the Premier League in recent seasons. While Ederson has three league titles to his name, Alisson has helped Liverpool to a top-flight triumph and Champions League success.

This season, both goalkeepers have performed to similarly high levels. Alisson has made 60 saves in the league from 78 shots on target faced, leaving him with a save percentage of 76.9, while Ederson has made 50 stops, registering a save percentage of 72.3.

Based on Opta's expected goals on target conceded (xGOT) model, Alisson has performed slightly better when it comes to the number of goals he has prevented with the quality of his shot-stopping.

Alisson has prevented 2.9 goals in the top-flight, while Ederson has prevented 1.7.

With the margins between the pair so tight, former England number one James says it is difficult to pick which goalie he prefers.

"My favourite two goalkeepers in the Premier League, absolutely," the former City and Liverpool goalkeeper told Stats Perform.

"Even off the field, these two guys are fantastic people. I can admire them from the goalkeeping art, but when you've got wonderful people doing it, then it just adds another layer to it.

"They're very good friends as well, which makes it even more interesting, team-mates on the international scene, your mates off the field, and then you're competing in pretty much every tournament."

However, James does believe that Alisson, due to Liverpool's more open style of play, is tested more regularly.

"If I had a favourite, it's very difficult because their attributes are different," he continued.

"When you look at Ederson, the guy who can kick the ball 90 metres, hardly ever kicks the ball 40 metres, and everything is pretty much played in his own half now.

"It's more a demonstration of the dominance of City and because of that dominance he's not actually being called upon so much.

"Whereas if you look at Allison, who's got the freedom to get an assist if he wants, but has been called upon time and again, this even going into the game on the weekend, you're looking at it and thinking well 'case history would argue that Allison has made more saves in the last two months, possibly in one game than Ederson has had to do'.

"So Allison's kind of winning at the moment because he's doing more but I wouldn't want to pick one as my ultimate favourite."