Guardiola: I made “mistakes” with Man City star

“We struggled when he arrived,” admitted Pep.

“We did not agree on many things, partly because of my mistakes, but now I’m delighted he’s fully happy and can play here for the next seasons.

“He can play in many positions, can play every day, physicality, he’s so funny and loved in the locker room.

Asked to expand on the “mistakes” he made, Guardiola added: “Players accept more than others playing minutes, he wanted to play every time and when he doesn’t he’s not happy.

“Now he understands, we know each other better, every player has to be treated differently.

“He’s an incredible person with a big heart but he’s sensitive. I needed time to understand him, now I understand him more and he’s important for us.

“He struggled with how we played, what we wanted to do and that was the reason why but always a nice guy.

“Joao is fully happy right now, he wants to play every game and that’s all.

City face Championship table toppers Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday when Guardiola will have more decisions to make over who to select in his XI.

“Every player has a world and you have to understand it. Sometimes you need time to understand each other.

“He’s (Joao’s) one of the few we have who would play morning, afternoon, night. He needed the adrenalin to play.

“He’s like (Phil) Foden, football is the most important thing in his life. We know each other, it’s important he’s playing as he behaves perfectly.”