Ilkay Gundogan delivers his verdict on strange Pep Guardiola decision in Man City draw with RB Leipzig
Ilkay Gundogan thinks that Manchester City have the ability to manage a full match without making substitutions, as they did in the draw against RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
City played their first Champions League game of the last 16 round and ended up with a 1-1 draw in Germany. The team performed well in the first half and scored a goal with a great shot from Riyad Mahrez.
However, they were unable to convert their other chances and lost their lead when Josko Gvardiola scored with a strong header, just as they did in their game against Nottingham Forest.
In the second half, Leipzig dominated the game and deserved their equalizer. Despite this setback, City fought back and were unlucky not to receive a penalty for a handball by Benjamin Henrich in the dying minutes of the game.
Gundogan has shared his thoughts on Guardiola’s unusual decision to not make any substitutions during the match, even when the team was under pressure. According to Gundogan, this is not a new experience for them and they are accustomed to such situations. “It’s nothing we are not used to,” he said.
“He [Guardiola] will have his reasons not to make a sub. I felt like everyone on the pitch was feeling ok and was fresh and able to compete for the whole 90 minutes. It’s something we have to accept. We had good chances at the end to get a winner, but we’ll take the result and try to do better in the next game.”
Following the game, Guardiola made a sarcastic comment stating that having substitutions available does not mean he has to use them. He then went on to explain that he did think about bringing Phil Foden on, but he was pleased with how the team responded after conceding the goal. Guardiola emphasized the importance of maintaining control in the game.
“I was really pleased with what I was seeing,” he said. “With Phil to have this talent to do this, after the goal I thought immediately to bring Phil but we took the game in our hands.
“With this control. Because they play with six upfront. Two fullbacks as wingers, four players incredible runners. Those positions you need control. That’s why the players we had, Gundogan, Riyad [Mahrez], you need extra passes.
“Especially in the first leg, maybe second leg I decide to be crazy and play nine strikers and make up and downs. In this game I felt, I’ve been in this country and I need this type of control. Up and downs, it’s open, one or two actions from Gundo to give the ball to Erling they block it. These situations, German teams are better than us.”
Ilkay Gundogan delivers his verdict on strange Pep Guardiola decision in Man City draw with RB Leipzig
