Pep Guardiola hits back at Man City fans for doubting decision to start one player against Villarreal | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hit back at fans for doubting his decision to select Rico Lewis to start in midfield against Villarreal on Tuesday night.

Guardiola’s side cruised to a composed 0-2 victory at Estadio de la Ceramica, returning to winning ways away from home in the UEFA Champions League thanks to first-half goals from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva.

The Catalan tactician’s pre-match selection drew mixed reactions on social media as supporters debated the inclusion of 20-year-old academy graduate Lewis in midfield – a position that continues to underline his growing tactical versatility under Guardiola’s watch.

Manchester City’s control of the contest reflected the manager’s faith in Lewis, whose tactical intelligence and positional discipline were central to the visitors’ first-half dominance. Haaland’s opener – his 24th goal in 14 appearances for club and country this season – came from a sharp move down the right involving Lewis, who delivered a pinpoint low cross for the Norwegian to finish.

Bernardo Silva added the second before half-time, sealing the result with a close-range header from Savinho’s delivery. And for Guardiola, Tuesday’s win was not only significant in ending City’s long-standing run without a Champions League away win, but also in reaffirming the value of trusting youth in high-pressure fixtures.

Speaking during his post-match media duties with broadcasters, Pep Guardiola told TNT Sports of his delight at Rico Lewis’ performance, and just how much he ‘loves’ the England international.

“I’m pretty sure that 90 per cent of the people when they saw Rico [Lewis] line up said, ‘What is the reason why?!’ And I love that player. These types of players, I adore them! Defensively, offensively, he’s beyond intelligent,” Guardiola admitted.

He continued, “And his movement against teams that make defensive zonal marking, he knows especially perfectly when and how and where he has to move. I’m really pleased for his game!”

Offering further insight during his post-match press conference, Guardiola went on to explain on Rico Lewis, “I adore that player; he’s so intelligent, he’s so clever in small spaces.

“Against teams that are maybe man-marking, but more duels maybe he struggles a little bit more, but against teams like Villarreal that move and are zonal marking exceptionally, you have to have players that move really, really well in those positions.

“And Rico is a top, top class player when you have to play that way. I’m pretty sure people were a little scared because I lined up with him, but also I need fresh legs – we can’t forget we played Saturday and Tuesday with travel. It’s different if we played in Manchester and no travel here.”

The teenager’s continued involvement this season reflects Pep Guardiola’s faith in his tactical awareness and composure under pressure. Rico Lewis has already featured across multiple roles offering Manchester City vital flexibility amid ongoing injury concerns in midfield.

Looking ahead, with fixtures across domestic and European competitions intensifying after the international break, Rico Lewis could find himself featuring more prominently. Guardiola’s admiration suggests he views the England international as a core part of City’s long-term evolution.

Rico Lewis’ latest performance not only justified his manager’s decision but also served as a quiet reminder to Manchester City supporters that Pep Guardiola’s faith in young players continues to pay dividends in Europe’s biggest competitions.