Guardiola takes blame in Man City loss, 10 changes ‘too much’

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola took the blame on his shoulders after his team suffered a 0-2 loss against Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League. The Spaniard tactician made 10 changes to the team’s playing XI and the team could not deliver.

City lost a home game in the Champions League group stage or league phase for the first time since 2018 after goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick.

Guardiola admitted he made too many changes, and he should have been ruthless in his approach.

“Too many changes,” said Guardiola. “Maybe it was too much, seeing the result. I take responsibility but I saw them and I like everyone to be involved. When you are a football player and don’t play for five, six, seven games it’s tough but maybe it was too much.

“Always I like to be too nice and involve everyone. It didn’t work, and we have to accept it. It was the first time in my life I’ve done it, and it was too much.”

Next month, the Cityzens will take on Real Madrid and this loss will put the pressure on them. Furthermore, Guardiola’s team will play games against Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray in January.

Guardiola is now focused on the team’s Premier League match against Leeds United.

“We still have three games and we will see what happens,” said Guardiola. “I don’t anticipate what is going to happen in the future. Now it’s don’t talk much, clean our heads and go to Leeds.”

City will next take on Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The Sky Blues are currently in third place in the Premier League standings with seven wins in 12 games.