Pep Guardiola takes responsibility for horror selection error in Bayer Leverkusen defeat | OneFootball

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admitted he was at fault for his side’s 2-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

Guardiola made 10 changes to his starting XI from Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday as goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick inflicted another damaging loss on the Blues, with Nico Gonzalez the only starter who was also in the lineup at St. James’ Park.

City were a shadow of their impressive selves at the Etihad Stadium and lacked the potent attacking threat that has been the hallmark of their commanding wins over the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund this season.

Leverkusen would have been left surprised by the manner in which Guardiola took his foot off the gas and named an entirely new Manchester City starting XI and the German visitors took full advantage of City’s change in personnel.

Manchester City have it all to do if they want to qualify for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 as a testing clash away at Real Madrid next awaits the Blues in Europe, with Guardiola and co set to face Leeds United in the Premier League at the weekend.

Speaking at length after his side’s 2-0 loss at home to Leverkusen, Guardiola held his hand up and assumed a large share of responsibility for City’s lacklustre performance against the Bundesliga outfit on Tuesday.

“It wasn’t the performance we thought,” the 54-year-old said in an interview with TNT Sports. “Maybe I’ll take full responsibility, still I think the players that started are exceptional.

“But we missed something we need at the highest level. It was an incredible opportunity, now we have to fight in the next games.

“In general we did some very good things, we had chances, half chances; always blocked, always we slipped, always it was something there. We didn’t believe, ‘Okay, it’s the moment to attack, -we attack’ or ‘OK it’s the moment to defend, we defend’.

“It’s not being in the position, it’s being present defensively. And offensively we have to have the determination, ‘Okay, I’m going to make a movement, make some situations that we can do’.”

When pressed on why he decided to make 10 changes to his lineup against Leverkusen, Guardiola added: “I understand. I understand your question. Absolutely I have to accept it. I have to accept. If we win, it would not be a problem.

“I accept maybe it’s a lot, but playing every two, three, four days. But maybe it’s too much, you’re right. Seeing the result, maybe it’s too much.”

The Manchester City manager was once again asked to explain his selection in his post-match press conference. “It’s what I said; always I believe that the long seasons (playing) every two days, three days, two days, three days – everybody has to be involved,” Guardiola said.

“But maybe it was too much seeing the result. I think they played to not make mistakes, instead of playing to do what we have to do. When you’re thinking to avoid, to don’t punish the team, you’re not free or relaxed. But not just with the ball, without we were close but not aggressive enough.

“And they’re a really, really good team – congratulations (Bayer) Leverkusen. But it is what it is. I take absolutely full responsibility, but I think I see them and I like everybody to be involved. Being a footballer when you’re three, four, five, six, seven games don’t play – it’s tough. But maybe it was too much.

“Always I like to be sometimes too nice and involve everyone because when you have international breaks you have four, five games and after break. But it’s three, four days until March, hopefully – if you’re not out of the FA Cup, Carabao (Cup).

“And there’s no human that can sustain. At home, in a good position in the Champions League – let’s go, let’s do it, we have weapons on the bench, I think it can happen in the second-half. But honestly, it didn’t work and I have to accept it.”

City have little time to dwell upon back-to-back defeats in the space of days as they prepare for a Premier League meeting with Leeds United at the weekend where a win is a must should the Blues want to avoid losing further ground to leaders Arsenal in the title race.