Pep Guardiola names two notable Manchester City absentees in Bodo/Glimt defeat | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has pointed towards two names in particular that were absent from the defeat to Bodo/Glimt that played a part in the loss.

The Blues were handed their second defeat in as many games as the Norwegian hosts succumbed Guardiola and co to a 3-1 defeat in Norway, with City winning just twice in their last seven games in all competitions.

Guardiola shuffled his pack in the Arctic Circle as Manchester City continue to miss several key first-team stars but the eight-time Premier League champions were far from their best once again as they slipped to seventh place in the group-phase standings after Tuesday night’s games.

Captain on the night, Rodri was sent off for two yellow cards in the space of 53 seconds in the second-half, with the Ballon d’Or winner also putting in a shambolic display on a night when Manchester City lacked grit, raising questions over whether the group can sustain their aspirations for silverware as the season progresses.

Speaking after the 3-1 defeat in northern Norway, Guardiola told reporters that neither he nor his staff and players underestimated the quality of Bodo/Glimt.

“I know how good a team they are, I didn’t underestimate them; semi-final last season in (the) Europa League, fresh in mind, and we have some injuries to important players. We fought 10 versus 11,” said Guardiola, as quoted by Manchester City’s official channels.

“We have to change the dynamic for the next game against Wolves and Galatasaray. We were flat against (Manchester) United but not today.”

Antoine Semenyo, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez, Savinho and Oscar Bobb were all missing from the matchday squad in Norway, with City devoid of real attacking threat on the night.

“We don’t have Savinho, Jeremy (Doku) our wingers. In other departments we have players not here and they would give us more consistency,” Guardiola added, though he did have the option of throwing Doku on but decided against the same.

“But they were well organised. We struggled a little bit. Bodo/Glimt were really good. And we congratulate them.”

City have been far from convincing so far in 2026 as they remain winless in the Premier League in 2026, having drawn against Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton and losing in humiliating fashion to Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend.

The Blues desperately need to put a run of wins together if they are to trim a seven point deficit to league leaders Arsenal as the season progresses, with new signing Marc Guehi in line to make his Manchester City debut against Wolves on Saturday afternoon.