The club’s big summer signing delivered just 12 minutes into his first appearance in a City shirt to lead the Premier League champions to a 1-0 win Bayern Munich in Green Bay.
Guardiola praised the 22-year-old’s poaching instincts after making contact with a Jack Grealish cross that flashed over the goal, but said the Norwegian needed to be handled with care to help him return to full fitness.
“He scored a goal, which is important. Goals like this for the goalkeeper – he’s always there,” Guardiola said. “The first minutes he needs more rhythm and time, but he already had 45 minutes, which is good for him.
“We’ll see how he reacts to the little problems he’s had in recent weeks. After we get back, we’ll have long weeks to prepare for every weekend race. In those two or three weeks, we’ll get the best shape.”
City, which will face FA Cup holders Liverpool in the Community Shield on Saturday, will kick off their Premier League title defense with a trip to West Ham United on August 7.
Additional reporting from Reuters