In their surprise Champions League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, Pep Guardiola accused his much-changed Manchester City team of “playing safe.”
The German side won 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday after the City manager made ten changes to his starting lineup.
Following last week’s Premier League defeat at Newcastle, Guardiola felt his players were too cautious.
He said, “We didn’t try,” in reference to the Leverkusen defeat. We didn’t try in football because you have to try things when you play on the green.
He continued, “I believe they played not to make mistakes, not to play to accomplish something because it’s so challenging. They played in a safe environment, so you have to play offensive and try.
Guardiola’s team faces struggling Leeds on Saturday, suggesting that the Leverkusen debutants had lost their self-assurance.
He said, “I have a lot of confidence in them, but I still have a lot right now.” “I value what they do as football players a lot more than what they do themselves,” he said.
Rodri is still out for the Leeds game, but Guardiola has confirmed that the Spanish international will be back soon.
In the Premier League, Guardiola’s men are currently third, seven points clear of Arsenal.
Source: Channels TV
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