Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has openly accepted full responsibility for his team’s surprising Champions League defeat. The English giants suffered an unexpected home loss to Bayer Leverkusen.

Guardiola admitted that his extensive squad rotation left the team lacking sharpness. He noted that little seemed to go City’s way throughout the match.

City’s Bold Line-Up Changes

The Tuesday match followed City’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at the weekend. Despite this, Guardiola made a significant decision, changing ten players from his previous starting line-up.

Key players like Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Ruben Dias all started on the bench. This choice quickly drew criticism and scrutiny.

Leverkusen Capitalises on Disjointed Start

Bayer Leverkusen took full advantage of City’s unsettled start. Alejandro Grimaldo scored before half-time, giving the German side the lead.

Later in the game, Patrick Schick added a second goal. This sealed a strong and disciplined performance for Leverkusen. City’s attempts to recover came too late.

Even after Guardiola brought on Haaland, Foden, Doku, and Rayan Cherki, City could not find a way back into the game.

Guardiola Accepts Blame Post-Match

Speaking to TNT Sports after the final whistle, the City manager did not shy away from the criticism. When asked about his team selection, he responded directly.

“I understand. I understand your question. Absolutely I have to accept it. I have to accept,” Guardiola stated.

He continued, “If we win, it would not be a problem. I accept maybe it’s a lot, but playing every two, three, four days… But maybe it’s too much, you’re right. Seeing the result, maybe it’s too much.”

Guardiola fully owned the outcome. “It was not the performance we thought,” he said. “Maybe I’ll take full responsibility, but I still think the players who started are exceptional.”

He also highlighted what was missing from his team. “But we missed something we needed at the highest level. It was an incredible opportunity. Now we have to fight in the next games.”

Acknowledging Leverkusen’s Strength and City’s Missed Chances

The manager praised the opposition. “They [Leverkusen] were good,” Guardiola noted. He also acknowledged City’s own efforts.

“In general, we also did some very good things. We had chances, half chances; always blocked, always we slipped, always there was something.”

He pointed to a lack of conviction from his side. “We didn’t believe, ‘OK, it’s the moment to attack, we attack’ or ‘OK, it’s the moment to defend, we defend’.”

Guardiola emphasised the need for presence and determination. “It’s not being in the position, it’s being present defensively and offensively. We have to have the determination, ‘OK, I’m going to make a move, make some situations that we can do’. Sometimes it happens.”