Post-match reflections
Guardiola said he still has absolute trust in Manchester City's players, despite criticism after their 2-0 European defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, noting some players missed opportunities due to over-caution and playing it too safe.
Leverkusen defeated City 2-0 at the Etihad in the Champions League group stage.
City now prepare to host Leeds United this Saturday in the Premier League round of 13, aiming to close the seven-point gap to leaders Arsenal.
Guardiola spoke frankly, emphasizing his high regard for the players and noting that the Leverkusen result provided a significant lesson and a clear message for the future.
Looking ahead
Some players who played against Leverkusen appeared overly cautious, which hurt the team’s performance; they seemed reluctant to risk mistakes or create chances.
You defend, you attack, you try in football; they played to be safe, making it hard to win. We did not try enough on the pitch.
After another league defeat to Newcastle United, Guardiola said the response between the two games was different: it’s about performance, not a single result; his decision-making missteps contributed to Leverkusen, and the team simply didn’t try.
The road remains long, and City can improve gradually despite Arsenal’s strength; the gap is large, but signs of progress are emerging, and we will see what happens.
Rodri will not be ready to face Leeds, though he has returned to light training; the midfielder still battles a hamstring issue.
Regarding Haaland’s role, Guardiola said there is no current problem, and while Haaland is crucial, teammates matter just as much.
On Bernardo Silva’s future, Guardiola said he wants the best for Bernardo; if he stays, he would be very happy, but there have been no talks on the matter, and he respects Silva’s family and nine years at City.
He also spoke with respect about Leeds coach Daniel, noting that English football is always tough and you must be ready to endure ups and downs, because the league is relentless.
Leeds have hit a rough patch, losing five of their last six in the league, intensifying the pressure ahead of the title-chasing clash.
Punchline 1: City are playing so safe that even their shadows wear knee pads.
Punchline 2: If bravery were goals, City would be chasing the sunrise and missing every finish line.
