‘You’ve got to love Pep’, ‘At least the overthinking is helping’ – Man City fans react as Guardiola reveals he was ‘so clever’ after substitutions inspired his side to finally outwit Atletico

Pep Guardiola jokingly played up his own role in Manchester City’s tight 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid to give them a slender advantage in the Champions League quarter-final tie.

There was nothing to separate the two teams until De Bruyne, assisted by Phil Foden with his first touch off the bench, buried the ball past Jan Oblak to put City in control ahead of the return leg in the Spanish capital next week.

The game played out exactly as predicted, with the visitors defending resolutely and City attacking almost from start to finish.

And speaking after the game, when asked if he was happy with his side’s display, Guardiola told BT Sport: “A lot. We played an incredible top side who are difficult to face but it is a good result. We had chances to score a second and third.

“All the guys were playing well, but of course we knew Gabriel and Phil would be having special energy and Jack for the quality to keep with the ball. Today the manager was so clever!

“When we make a sub it is because we think it can be a bit better. It works sometimes but other times it doesn’t.

“It is not easy to face a team with a lot of experience in this tournament. We will go there to score and try and win again.”

These Guardiola’s comments were shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from Man City supporters.

“Pep is one of a kind man”
Credit: @4midables_mcfc

“Man is praising himself 😂”
Credit: @DeBrxyne17

“Can’t get enough of this man 💀”
Credit: @CrustyFlacko

“You’ve got to love Pep 😂”
Credit: @BruceBrucito

“I don’t think I’ll ever love a manager as much as him ever again.
He’s truly something special..”
Credit: @mvx_mcfc

“At least the overthinking is helping 😂”
Credit: @SnrHad

“Fair play to pep he made the correct subs and they paid off, not a single complaint, the foden sub made the difference with the ability to turn and play”
Credit: @gabejones29_

“Another reason why Pep is a true genius. He’s actually talking about himself here.”
Credit: @VayamLahoti