Guardiola answers questions on tactical blunder against Real Madrid

Several questions arose regarding Manchester City’s starting eleven at the Santiago Bernabéu as soon as the line-ups were announced. Three wingers in attacking midfield, and two youngsters at full-back despite that not being their natural position. Those questions only intensified as Valverde completed the hat-trick that gave Real Madrid a 3-0 advantage heading into the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.

Guardiola, in his press conference on Friday, attempted to address his decisions. He pointed out that no one questioned him after the victory against Newcastle, when he left Haaland on the bench. The Catalan explained that he is used to these kinds of situations and to having to explain his tactical choices.

How is the team doing after the defeat against Real Madrid?

I don’t know we will see, tomorrow night is important for the Premier League. We are used to, for many years, to live these situations. So, next one.

Did we win or lose in Madrid? Okay, so that [loss] was team decision. Did we win or lose at Newcastle? So the team selection was good. All the time we are making decisions and I think a lot about what is best for the team. We had three huge games.

Do you feel the pressure of these key matches?

It is a pleasure to be here. Last season we couldn’t live with that so it is nice.

Always I have said when we arrive in the last ten games, now in eight games and everyone is playing for something. Europa League, qualification for Champions League. Now there is no second chances.

How is Haaland? Will he be able to play?

Yep [he’s fine].

Do you think the new players lack experience in these types of matches?

Bernardo and Ruben are experienced. I don’t have the feeling [they were shell shocked]. The time between the first and second goal, we had the threat, we arrived five times at the byline but missed the pass. We were more aggressive without the ball. It is difficult to handle in this situation. We didn’t create a lot of situations. We have experience at the Etihad and scored goals.

How can they turn the tie around at the Etihad?

West Ham. I will think after that. Play the game we have to play that will dictate it. We will see on Tuesday. The league is the most difficult title.

Will you make changes?

When you win a lot of titles every game is important. We will fight until the end. A lot of travel we can’t play the same XI. I am not thinking about what we have won. My mind is West Ham. I understand you ask about Madrid but I focus on West Ham and Nuno.

Why do you think your team has been struggling so much in the Premier League these last two seasons?

It is not the first time it has been hard. It is not the first time but I will argue about the team selection but we lost.

Before England was the best league in the world, we were the best but after what happened in midweek we are not. I am sure we are an incredible league. In this, it is a one off game. Nobody was talking about Norway but now Bodo is amazing. I have an opinion about Madrid and there will be changes. We could do better. In the first half before the goal, we played exceptionally - we were a threat. Then the goals come and the quality of Valverde it was a completely different game. We conceded a penalty which I am sorry it was not. We had a clear chance for Nico but Courtois made an incredible save.

West Ham are deperate for points...

We are desperate too.

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