Guardiola admits Gundogan inclusion backfired on City

Joe Williams

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola named and shamed one of his players after Wednesday night’s 3-0 defeat at Liverpool.

Guardiola made a big decision ahead of kick-off with former Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling left on the bench and Ilkay Gundogan handed a start at Anfield.

The move however backfired, as Liverpool scored three first-half goals without reply to take a commanding first-leg lead in their Champions League quarter-final.

Guardiola said he was looking for “more passing, more control” with the inclusion of former Dortmund man Gundogan.

Asked if it worked, he replied: “We lost three zero.

“We showed up from the begining, we started with enormous personality but they scored a goal. We continued to play but they scored two more goals. It is tough. They had 10-15 minutes in the first half when they were better,” added Guardiola.

“In the second half we tried everything but we couldn’t find a goal. The first two goals, we had control of the game but they scored. I don’t have too many regrets or complaints. Nobody believes but we have another game.

“They had two attacks and scored two goals. That was tough but for the rest of the game we were so, so good. We had to score a goal but they defended more.

“We have to accept it and now we have United at home and then Liverpool at home. We see what happens. Of couse it is difficult but we believe.

“Nobody believes we will go through. We will convince ourselves tomorrow.”