Guardiola happy with performance against ‘top class team’

The Italians caused problems with their defensive formation and attacked in numbers in what proved to be a tricky opening Champions League test.

“We faced a really, really difficult team, the champions from Italy,” said Guardiola.

“They build up from Sommer and Bastoni, playing on the transition. I am really satisfied for the game we played.

“They are masters of defending deep. They help each other unbelievably so you cannot expect to create a lot of chances. We created some chances.

“We played much better than two years ago in the final of the Champions League. I like everything from my team today. We would prefer to win but still seven games, see what happens.”

Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan were introduced at half-time for Kevin De Bruyne and Savinho – and Pep says it wasn’t due to injury as he’d made his mind up to make a change regardless of the knock KDB sustained towards the end of the first half.

“The reason why, was we played team with 3-5-2,” he said.

“Every time the ball is on one side, five players go there. We have to turn the ball quick, so we need players in smaller spaces and Rico, Phil and Gundo are the best we have in those pockets.

You May Also Like

More From Author

+ There are no comments

Add yours