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Cape Town - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised striker Sergio Aguero after he recovered from missing to penalties to net a hat-trick against Steaua Bucharest on Tuesday evening.
The Argentina international looked to be facing a rare off-game after failing to convert two first-half penalties in the first leg of the Champions League play-off in Bucharest.
However, he stormed back with a clinical showing after the half-time break, netting a hat-trick to inspire the Citizens to a 5-0 victory.
And Guardiola was clearly impressed by Aguero's second-half showing as well as his mental fortitude.
"The fact he missed the penalties is part of the game but it was important that Sergio stayed focused and didn't get down," Guardiola told reporters.
"He focused on his game and after he scored three goals.
"It's not important how many times you fall down, it's how many times you stand up and try again."
When asked if Aguero would retain the spot-kick duties after missing four of his last five attempts in European competition, Guardiola replied: "I'm confident if he's confident. It depends on the players. If he's confident, for me it's not a problem."
