PEP GUARDIOLA SLAMS MAN CITY PLAYERS: "WE DIDN'T TRY" AGAINST LEVERKUSEN
Pep Guardiola defends his rotation policy after a heavy defeat, insisting he makes decisions for the team. With City trailing Arsenal, he admits they "cannot lose games."
Pep Guardiola is defending his team selection methods, telling critics that their concerns about his overthinking are unfounded.
After he made ten changes to the Manchester City lineup for their defeat against Bayer Leverkusen, the team's depth became a hot topic.
Guardiola, 54, took responsibility for the loss. Still, he reminded everyone that he often takes risks and puts a lot of thought into his choices.
Do you think thinking is a bad thing? Guardiola asked. I can list times when my thinking worked out well. Then, people call me a genius.
I decide based on what I think is best for the team, but I know I can be wrong. I told the players it could happen, and I support them, but I ask them to give it their best.
Guardiola admitted that City needs louder support from their fans at the Etihad Stadium.
After City lost at home to Bayer Leverkusen, Guardiola made ten changes.
If I were a fan, I wouldn't cheer for my team playing the way we did, he said. Our fans go out of their way to come see us, and we appreciate that.
I know the stadium well since I've been here for years. If you do what you need to do, they'll be there. That's what we need to focus on.
City is seven points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal before their home game against Leeds United on Saturday. Rodri is still out.
The Spanish player has only played for one minute since October due to a hamstring injury.
City can't afford to mess up this weekend after losing to Newcastle United. Guardiola added, We know the competitions are hard. It's not just about one result; it's about how we perform.
Yes, results help performance, but I'm not too upset about Newcastle. Leverkusen, yes, because of my decisions and because we didn't try hard enough, it's that simple.
I know Arsenal is strong and has a lead. We'll start to see how we improve as a team, and we'll see what happens.
We can't afford to lose games, that's true. Arsenal wins games and is solid, like Liverpool and us in the past. They won't drop many points.
PHIL FODEN'S GOAL SENSE: WHY PEP PLAYS HIM WIDE DESPITE CENTRAL PREFERENCE
Pep Guardiola agrees with Thomas Tuchel that Phil Foden excels centrally, but says he must play wide for Man City due to his crucial goal-scoring instincts.
Pep Guardiola mentioned he might still play Phil Foden as a winger, even if Thomas Tuchel sees him mainly as a central player for England.
Tuchel thinks Foden is best as a No. 10 or a false nine. Guardiola agrees that Foden shines in the middle but noted he can still score goals starting from the wing. Guardiola says Foden is willing to play as a winger when needed.
Foden scored twice in City’s 3-2 victory over Leeds. He is City’s second-highest scorer this season, with six goals in all competitions. That's more than wingers like Jeremy Doku, Savinho, and Oscar Bobb have scored combined.
Guardiola said, “I agree with Thomas. I prefer Phil close to the box, behind the striker. Players with a nose for goal need to be near the goal. He can play wide with another player inside, but I like him in central positions.
“Savio, Jeremy, and even Oscar have qualities as wingers that the other three [central players] don't. I like players who arrive and have the feeling they can score. Top teams have many players who score. If only Erling Haaland scores, we’re in trouble.”
Guardiola thinks Foden is back to his 2023-24 form, when he scored 27 goals and was named Footballer of the Year. He also said that managing Foden is a joy.
He added, “This season, Phil is back to his best. When he first trained with us at 16 or 17, we were amazed. He’s improved every year.
“He was the league's best player two years ago when we won the Premier League against West Ham. Last season was similar to the team’s overall performance.
“Phil’s growth is great for many reasons. It’s a joy and a gift to have him.
“He’s happy and eager. If I tell him, ‘Phil, you need to play here,’ even in a position that doesn’t suit him, like on the right or left wing, he’ll say, ‘I want to play right or left. I want to help the team. I want to run.
MAN CITY TARGETS FOREST MIDFIELDER ELLIOT ANDERSON IN TRANSFER RAID
Manchester City is reportedly interested in signing Nottingham Forest's dynamic midfielder Elliot Anderson next year. The 23-year-old would add quality to Guardiola's midfield.
According to a recent report in The Daily Mail, Manchester City is interested in Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. Word is, the Manchester club might try to bring the English player to Etihad Stadium next year.
Anderson is playing well this season, putting up some nice performances for Nottingham in the middle of the field. So far, the 23-year-old has one goal and one assist in 16 games for the club in all competitions.
He has done a good job protecting the defence, with 33 tackles, 20 blocks, 12 interceptions, and 12 clearances in the Premier League. He has also been accurate with his passing, completing 83.2% of his passes in the league (stats via fbref.com).
His contract with Nottingham Forest runs through the summer of 2029, so Man City will need to make a good offer if they really want to sign him next year.
Is Anderson a Smart Move for Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola?
Anderson has a lot of energy in the midfield. He likes to tackle and can make important interceptions.
He will also clear the ball when needed. Anderson mainly plays as a box-to-box midfielder, but he can also play as a number ten or as a left-winger. With his Premier League experience, he should not need much time to settle in at Man City.
Anderson would definitely add quality to Guardiola’s midfield. He has the potential to compete for a starting spot at the Etihad Stadium in the years to come.
At 23, Anderson’s best years are ahead of him, making him a solid choice for Man City in the future. He is already good enough to help them compete on all fronts. Guardiola should seriously consider trying to sign him this winter or at the end of the season.