Guardiola shared his thoughts on the game, stating that Manchester City had some good moments despite having many new players on the team. He mentioned that the first game in the group stage is always crucial, and the team performed well initially but encountered some challenges later on.
“We started really well, but after that, we had some problems, especially when we lost simple balls,” Guardiola explained. He noted that when a team loses simple balls, it can lead to a quick transition in the game.
Despite the challenges, Guardiola saw many positive aspects of the game. He emphasized the importance of giving new players playing time, especially those who have been injured for a long time. “If they don’t play, they’ll never get back to their best,” he said.
Guardiola also mentioned that the team will use this game as a stepping stone to improve their performance. He expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to recover and train well before their next game, and he believes that with fresh legs, they can perform even better.
He also highlighted the importance of qualifying for the next round, saying that the first step has been taken and that the team will continue to work towards their goal.
Guardiola concluded by expressing his excitement to see the team’s progress in the coming games, especially with the introduction of new players. “Next game, ten new players will be there to try and win the next one,” he said.