Guardiola Admits Rotation Gamble Backfired After City’s Shock Leverkusen Defeat

‎Pep Guardiola took responsibility for Manchester City’s surprising 2-0 Champions League loss to Bayer Leverkusen, admitting his heavy rotation backfired.

‎He made 10 changes from the side that had already been beaten 2-1 by Newcastle in the Premier League. Erling Haaland, with 14 league goals compared to no teammate having more than one, was among those left out.

‎He was quick to admit the gamble was excessive.

‎”There were too many changes,” were the first words of Guardiola’s post-match press conference.

‎”I believe that the long season, (games) every two days, three days, two days, three days, everybody has to be involved. But maybe it was too much seeing the result,” he said.

‎”So it’s the first time in my life I’ve done it, and it was too much. So I realised.”

‎The Spaniard defended his rationale, citing the grueling schedule that spans domestic matches and international duties, especially for Haaland, who carries the scoring burden for both City and Norway.

‎”I felt from my instinct, from my gut, the team is training well, they are incredible, good vibes. So let’s go, Champions League at home, we are in a good position,” Guardiola said.

‎”And for the future, for the next games, we have Fulham, we have Sunderland, Real Madrid, a lot of games together. Cannot play Erling all the time for 95 minutes.

‎”I had the feeling, after the (international) break, it’s now three days, four days until March, and there is no human being who can sustain it for that long.”

‎Guardiola suggested Tuesday’s starters were feeling too much pressure.

‎”I think they played not to make a mistake, and to avoid punishing the team,” he said.

‎”You are not free and relaxed.”

‎The defeat ended City’s 23-game unbeaten run at home in the competition’s group or league stage, leaving them temporarily sixth in the table on 10 points after five matches.

‎The top eight teams after eight league-phase games automatically advance to the last 16.

‎City’s next Champions League game is at European giants Real Madrid on December 10. Guardiola did not sound worried about missing a top-eight spot.

‎”We have time (to prepare for Madrid),” he said.