The City boss had made a massively changed playing 11 for the contest
Although many had touted Manchester City to breeze their way to an emphatic win when the club took on Leeds United on Saturday, City would have been wary ahead of the matchup.
It was down to Leeds United’s ruthless nature as an attacking unit. The team had given the best of defences cold feet this season, a side City knew they couldn’t take likely.
However, despite the tricky test infront of him, Pep Guardiola decided to shuffle his pack around on the day. With Borussia Dortmund up next in the Champions League, the City manager decided it was best to rest his main players for the Premier League contest.
His decision ultimately ended up costing City the tie as the club slipped to a shock 2-1 defeat. Despite being up against a 10 man Leeds United outfit in the second half, City failed to capitalise on their dominance with a Stuart Dallas double sinking them.
Pep Talks About Changes
Pep though refused to accept that his decision to field second fiddle players had cost City the contest. Speaking after his side’s defeat, the Spaniard said that he would have been labelled a genius had his side won.
“When I win I’m a genius, when you lose you regret the changes,” the City man said.
“Difficult against Leeds because they are used to winning duels. They come back more aggressive if you win duels. They did it.
“We defend well their goal kicks. After 10 vs 11, we need inspiration and not let them run, but we started letting them run.
“What happens when you lose is you realise how difficult it is what we did so far. Realise today how difficult it is to do what we do.
“PL must be won. We need more wins. Need to do it again,” he added.
“We created chances, not much clear. Lacked precision.
“Congratulate Leeds firstly. Eleven v 11 our build-up was good. Create two or three good chances. Mistake for their goal.
“Control 40 minutes. Concede one and when this happens because you have 11 vs 10. So deep you do not have an advantage.”
