Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was not completely satisfied despite taking the lead after the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund.
The Cityzens were made to work for their win on Tuesday night when they overcame Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
First half goals from Kevin De Bruyne and a late goal from Phil Foden secured for City a 2-1 win over the German club, after Marco Reus equalised with six minutes of the match remaining.
Guardiola admitted he was relieved after what he thought was a below-par performance from his side.
“Yeah, relief, better to win than draw,” the Spaniard told BT Sport.
“To play good in the areas you want we need a good build up, today was not good,” Guardiola continued.
“Joao and Rodri weren’t clever to receive the ball in the positions to contact for the other ones.
“But it’s normal, the opponents are strong, the quality, the pace, the quality up front that they have, it is always difficult to do what we want to do.
“It’s a good result, 2-1 and we have another chance next week.”
Guardiola’s critical comments on some players was a surprise to some Man City fans who took to the social media to express yours thoughts and opinions.
I’m glad we called them out
— Decooo MCFC (@AtomiicMcfc) April 6, 2021
Glad he’s called some players out
— Nathan🤘 (@DiasCEO) April 6, 2021
At least he notices our problems. I won’t be upset if Laporte starts bc we looked vulnerable on that side today
— the taxman (@onemilli19) April 6, 2021
Well I’m glad he notices where the problem areas are
— Dani (@Rodridiculous) April 6, 2021
Pep’s serious calling out players.
— Tribute2Aguero😭😭😭😭 (@omgh0ul) April 6, 2021
I like it
Rodri made so many silly mistakes today. Bernardo looked tired
— The Sky-Blues ➐ (@ManCityBrooklyn) April 6, 2021
Laporte must start the 2nd leg. Also Cancelo is not a LB.
— Nora (@cityznn) April 6, 2021
Maybe play Cancelo on the other side where he’s played most the year?
— Echoes In Eternity (@EchoesInEterni1) April 6, 2021
It was a very busy evening for Rodri with Dortmund breaking quickly but he adapted well to limit the threats of the opposition and also contributed to City’s attacks.
Though with Some useful interventions, Dortmund did their homework and kept Joao Cancelo pegged back as part of the defence, with Walker pushing up instead.
Manchester City will back in action on Saturday for the early kick-off vs Leeds (12.30) before the second leg next Wednesday in Dortmund.
- Kyle Walker leaves Man City on a loan deal to AC Milan.
- Man City plot ‘sensational late deal’ with ‘trend towards’ one outcome after Liverpool snub decision
- Man City Vs Chelsea Team News, Betting Odds And Where To Watch
- Man City’s new signings will all be in City’s squad against Chelsea.
- Man City suffer a double injury blow for Chelsea clash.
- Manchester City need €15m more on offer to hit demand – Eager to satisfy Guardiola but it’s not cheap
- Chelsea and Manchester City clash before Amorim hopes to avoid another late show
- Liverpool have exposed ‘mentality’ problem at Arsenal and Manchester City while United ‘haggle’
- “Doesn’t usually happen” – Agent and Manchester City targeted in public transfer complaint
- Pep Guardiola confirms that a Man City winger is injured.
