Pep Guardiola takes responsibility as his team selection backfires in Man City’s surprising 2-0 Champions League loss to Bayer Leverkusen
MANCHESTER: Pep Guardiola accepted full responsibility after his team selection gamble backfired in Manchester City’s shock 2-0 Champions League defeat against Bayer Leverkusen.
The City manager surprisingly rested most of his star players at the Etihad Stadium, leaving Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Gianluigi Donnarumma out of the starting lineup.
Leverkusen capitalised on City’s dismal display as Alex Grimaldo put the Germans ahead in the first half before Patrik Schick sealed victory after the break.
The loss ended City’s 24-match unbeaten home run in the Champions League group stage dating back to 2018.
“I take full responsibility, still I think the players that started were exceptional players but we missed something needed at the highest level,” Guardiola said.
The manager acknowledged that making 10 changes from his previous lineup might have been excessive despite the demanding schedule.
City have now suffered consecutive defeats following their 2-1 Premier League loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match as City boss proved disappointing compared to his previous 99 games, which included 62 wins and the club’s first European title in 2023.
Nathan Ake nearly gave City an early lead when his close-range effort forced a superb save from Mark Flekken after just five minutes.
City dominated possession but lacked cutting edge and were punished for sloppy defending in the 23rd minute.
Malik Tillman and Christian Kofane combined to set up Grimaldo, who lashed a low drive past James Trafford from 12 yards.
Guardiola made three halftime substitutions, sending on Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden and Nico O’Reilly in response.
City’s defensive frailties were exposed again in the 54th minute when Schick outmuscled Ake to glance a header into the far corner.
Haaland finally entered the match but continued his poor form, wasting a golden opportunity with a poor touch that allowed Flekken to save.
The Norwegian striker had also missed several big chances in City’s defeat at Newcastle.
Guardiola had expressed feeling “embarrassed and ashamed” after his on-pitch confrontation with a cameraman following the controversial Newcastle loss.
His players appeared equally chastened after their lacklustre surrender against Leverkusen.
City have already lost four Premier League matches this season, leaving them seven points behind leaders Arsenal.
While this Champions League defeat shouldn’t prove fatal to their last-16 hopes, it highlighted concerns about the squad’s depth.
City face a hectic December schedule featuring two games per week, including a crucial trip to Real Madrid in their next European fixture.
“We had more chances than them, but they were half-chances,” Guardiola said. “We now have to fight for the next games.” – AFP
