They punish you.” Pep Guardiola explains how his triple substitution tactic changed Man City Champions League fortunes vs Atletico

They punish you.” Pep Guardiola explains how his triple substitution tactic changed Man City Champions League fortunes vs Atletico

Pep Guardiola praised “exceptional” Phil Foden for breaking down Atletico Madrid’s tenacious defense in the Champions League quarter-final.

The 21-year-old came off the bench to set up Kevin De Bruyne’s winner, giving the Blues the advantage in the return leg next week.

Guardiola, on the other hand, included Grealish, who was part of a triple substitution alongside Foden and Gabriel Jesus, in his assessment of how the game alters whenever his attacking options are rearranged.

Foden provided Manchester City with penetration and threat on the right, while Grealish not only enticed Atletico into two yellow card infractions, but also gave them control as the visitors attempted to claw their way back into the game.

City took the lead two minutes following Guardiola’s triple substitution, when Foden slid a pass down the left side of the defense and De Bruyne finished in the far corner.

Guardiola was overjoyed, and he celebrated by hurling a water bottle at the ground.

He said afterwards: “He (Foden) has a special quality. His reception is always forward, his space in the first step is massive, he has the composure to make an assist for Kevin.

“Jack for the control of the game to give continuity. They did it and they were brilliant. We spoke many times – this competition is not just 11 players.”

Foden was utilized wide on the right after coming on as a substitute, just days after he played a mostly sacrificial role as a false nine against Burnley, freeing up space for goals from De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan to win that match.

Guardiola also stated that, while his team is performing admirably without a recognized striker, the lack of one has forced him to rely on players who are better suited to other roles. “The only proper player there is Gabriel,” he stated.

“Bernardo moves better in the wide outsides and Phil as well. But in that game we need a striker because they are so deep. They defend so well, so compact and so deep and we need the talent like Phil has shown in small spaces and we were patient because you have to be in these kind of teams.

“They can punish you on the counter-attack because they are top top players. They have so good, if you are not attacking in the right way they punish you.”

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They punish you.” Pep Guardiola explains how his triple substitution tactic changed Man City Champions League fortunes vs Atletico