Pep Guardiola blamed a cautious approach for Manchester City’s surprise 2-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen at the Etihad. He had made ten ces to his starting line‑up for the midweek match.
The defeat was City’s second in a row after their loss at Newcastle. Guardiola said his players did not take enough risks. He was direct: “We didn’t try. In football when you play on the green you have to try things and we didn’t try.”
He added that the team seemed focused on avoiding mistakes rather than creating chances: “I think they played not to make mistakes, not to play to do soing, that is so difficult. In football you have to play offensive and you have to try, they played to be safe.” Guardiola suggested this reflected a lack of confidence among the chosen starters.
He defended their value as players, saying: “I have a lot of confidence in them, still right now I have a lot,” and “I have a huge value in what they are as football players, and that maybe is higher than (they have) themselves.”
City remain third in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal. Midfielder Rodri is still absent ahead of Saturday’s game at struggling Leeds, but Guardiola said he expects Rodri to return soon.
I think Guardiolas cautious approach backfired. Sometimes you gotta take risks to win. What do you guys think? 🤔 #ManCity #GuardiolaOut
Honestly, Guardiola needs to take more risks. Playing it safe wont win every game. Time to shake things up!
Pep needs to trust his ing instincts more! Playing it safe didnt work against Leverkusen. What do you guys think?
Do you think Peps cautious tactics backfired, or was it just a bad day at the office? Lets debate!
Guardiola needs to take more risks! Playing too safe isnt always the answer. Lets see some bold moves next game. 🤔
Pep needs to trust Citys ing prowess. Caution is overrated! Let the boys play freely and the wins will come. #TrustInPep
Do you think Guardiola should stick to his ing style or be more cautious in big games? Whats your take?
Do you think Peps caution was justified or did it cost City the game? Lets discuss! #GuardiolaOut #ManCity
Pep needs to trust his ing instincts more! Playing too cautious cost Man City the game. Lets unleash the beast next time! 🦁🔥