I accept blame for loss against Leverkusen – Guardiola

Pep Guardiola accepted responsibility for Manchester City’s 2–0 Champions League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, acknowledging that his decision to make 10 changes to his starting XI may have been a mistake.

Guardiola heavily rotated his squad after Saturday’s Premier League loss to Newcastle United, with Nico Gonzalez the only player retained from the trip to St James’ Park. James Trafford, Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb were among those handed rare starts.

Before kickoff, the City boss told TNT Sports that he would have rotated the entire team if possible, insisting his side needed fresh legs following a demanding run of fixtures.

However, the gamble backfired. Goals from Alex Grimaldo and Patrik Schick secured a crucial victory for Leverkusen in the battle for a place in the knockout stages.

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Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Guardiola admitted his selection choices were likely excessive.

“I understand your question,” Guardiola said. “Absolutely, I have to accept it. I have to accept that if we win, it will not be a problem.

“I accept that maybe it’s a lot, but I think they’re playing every two or three or four days, we need to… but maybe it’s too much. Seeing the result, maybe it’s too much.”

The defeat marks City’s first back-to-back losses since August and their second Champions League setback of the season, coming just weeks before a crucial trip to Real Madrid.

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