Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola had admitted that he made too many changes against Bayer Leverkusen in the Match-Day 5 of the UEFA Champions League, Softfootball understands.
The match which was played at the Etihad saw Leverkusen defeat Manchester City 2-0 in front of home fans. Guardiola made 10 changes from the side that lost 2-1 against Newcastle United at the weekend as he wanted players that hasn’t played much to taste action but it backfired.
Speaking after the match in an interviewed shared via Manchester City’s official X handle, Guardiola took responsibility for the defeat and already looking forward to the next game. He said:
Too many changes. What I said, always I believe the long seasons, games every two or three days, everyone has to be involved. Maybe it was too much. Seeing the results. I think they played looking to not make mistakes and not to do what you have to do. If you are thinking to avoid not punishing the team, you are not free or relaxed not just with the ball, but without it. We were close, but not aggressive enough. They are a really good team. Congratulate Leverkusen, of course. It is what it is. I take responsibility. I see them and I like everyone to be involved. When you are 3, 4, 5 or 6 games not playing it’s tough. But maybe it was too much.
Manchester City played the match without Rodri due to injury but Guardiola promised not to stop rotating his squad as long as they remain in multiple competitions. He added:
They tried to do it – it’s never one player. When you are in a big team you have to show up. The players who came from the bench were the same. We slipped over 10 times, every shot was blocked, they are a fantastic team with fantastic players. It’s maybe the players that play regularly lately, maybe we would have been confident for the new players coming up. Sometimes I am too nice and involve everyone. When you have the international break, you have 4 or 5 games and now it’s 3 or 4 days until March – hopefully if you are not knocked out of the FA Cup or Carabao Cup. No human being can sustain it. I thought okay, we are at home, a good position in the Champions League, let’s give it a try. When you have 22 players just play 11. The others don’t play quite often and when you play regularly you feel more comfortable.
Manchester City turn attention to the premier league where they are hoping to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal and will host Leeds United at the Etihad this weekend.
