Pep Guardiola left baffled by Douglas Luiz work permit decision

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been forced to send Douglas Luiz on loan again after the 20-year-old’s work permit was denied by the Football Association. 

The Brazilian central midfielder joined City from Vasco da Gama in July 2017 but was loaned to Spanish side Girona last season. There, he made 17 appearances but started only once for the Catalans.

Guardiola says he doesn’t understand and was disappointed by the FA’s decision to reject his work permit, as the Spaniard insists he could’ve played this season.

“I accept the rules but it’s difficult to understand. They don’t know him,” Guardiola told reporters, according to the BBC.

“They have to judge if he has the ability to decide. Me and [Brazil manager] Tite know more about it. They don’t know him, not one game or training session,” he added.

“We spent £12-£14m because he’s a player with a huge capacity to play with us.”

“I’m so sad and disappointed for Douglas, he could have played, he’s shown many good things. We are going to send him on loan again and try to get the work permit.

“I don’t understand but we’re in England and you have to accept it. I’d have preferred [to have found out] 10 or 15 days ago as we could have decided what we can do.”

Luiz needs more starts to secure a work permit

Luiz was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and joined Vasco da Gama’s youth team in 2013, where he would eventually make 39 senior appearances, scoring five goals.

Luiz only started in one game for Girona which seemed to tip the balance against him when the FA made their decision. According to Guardiola, the youngster will be loaned out again this season. However, any hopes of securing a work permit next season will rely on playing regularly for whoever he joins.

Manchester City will get their title defence underway on Sunday when they travel to north London to face Unai Emery’s Arsenal side.

The post Pep Guardiola left baffled by Douglas Luiz work permit decision appeared first on Squawka News.

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