Pep Guardiola blamed himself for defensive problems, saying tonight's win was a warning to the future.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been harshly criticised for his team's defensive mistakes after a hard-fought 3-2 win over Leipzig. He believes that the victory in this hard-fought battle is a warning to the team in the future, reminding everyone not to let up. Pep Guardiola says that, as with the defeat against Chelsea, City's backline was exposed again today and lessons must be learned. He hopes that the team will remember this thrilling night and improve in the knockout rounds.
Summary: Manchester City hosted Leipzig in the final round of the Champions League group stage in the early hours of this morning, and finally completed a big comeback from two goals down to win 3-2 to secure the top spot in the group. In an interview after the game, coach Pep Guardiola harshly criticized the team's defensive holes, saying tonight's victory was a warning to the future.
Pep Guardiola said: "In terms of the group stage alone, getting 15 points to finish first is a perfect nightBut in terms of the game itself, there was still a lot of room for improvement, and the goals we conceded were too hasty. In football you have to win against each other and that's a problem with us against Chelsea. We used to be so strong at the back, but now we've been exposed twice. ”
In the Chelsea and Leipzig match, Manchester City's defenders conceded the first goal, which is undoubtedly two warnings for Guardiola. He believes that the team did have chances to win the game up front, but also missed a lot, and winning in such a thrilling way is not good for the future. He admits that he was not comfortable in the game and that the team's defence must improve.
Guardiola said: "We are going to have the knockout rounds soon, when all the opponents are top of the group, and no matter who we draw against us, we have to prove that we have the quality to make a comeback. We scored at the start of the second half and the second half was a long 45 minutes for the opposition. I believe that through this crisis, everyone will have a clearer understanding of the future. ”
When asked if he was confident of completing the comeback in the game, Guardiola responded: "Looking at our performance in the first half, I'm not sure. ”
He continued: "We shouldn't take it for granted that as Manchester City, as champions last season, to win. You have to win every game by actually performing. We were so poor in the first half and there were a few problems in the second half. As a player, you have to change and improve. It is with hope and desire that we learn from this experience. ”
Pep Guardiola's rhetoric revealed a strong dissatisfaction. Defensive problems were laid bare in the recent league game against Chelsea, and just four days after the Leipzig game, City's defence did not improve and made mistakes that were very similar to those against Chelsea.
The two defeats are undoubtedly a serious warning to the team. The performances at the start of the season have put everyone in anticipation of Manchester City's title defence, but as the pressure builds up on all fronts, the players' form has gradually declined. City's weakness has begun to become apparent recently, and Guardiola believes that it is necessary to face up to the problem and reflect seriously.
With the double-legged knockout rounds of the Champions League last-16 just around the corner, this narrow win may be just the inspiration the team needs. Manchester City have a lot of quality in the team, and the problem seems to be more about the mentality of the players and the execution of tactics. Miraculously coming back from a desperate situation this time may boost the confidence of the players and remind them not to take any opponent lightly.
Pep Guardiola reminded his players after the game that the road to defending the title is far from over and that a tougher battle is yet to come. He hopes that the whole team will remember the lessons of this thrilling night, remain humble and maintain a sense of awe, so that they can make a difference in the knockout round. This Jedi counterattack is undoubtedly an opportunity and a wake-up call for the future. It is enough for everyone to reflect on the problems of the team and find the motivation to get back on track at the beginning of the new year.
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