Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has accepted full responsibility for his team’s surprise 2-0 home defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Guardiola, who made 10 changes to the side that lost 2–0 to Newcastle United at the weekend, left out key players such as Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Ruben Dias, opting to rest several starters amid a congested fixture schedule.
The tactical gamble backfired as goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrick Schick secured a memorable victory for the German champions at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite later introducing Haaland, Foden, Doku and Rayan Cherki, City failed to break down Leverkusen’s defence.
Guardiola, speaking afterwards, acknowledged that his heavy rotation contributed to the defeat.
“Absolutely, I have to accept it,” he told reporters. “Maybe it’s too much, you’re right. Seeing the result, maybe it’s too much. I accept full responsibility.”
The manager, however, insisted that the players he selected were strong enough to win the match but admitted his team lacked sharpness at critical moments.
“They are exceptional players, but we missed something we needed at the highest level,” Guardiola said. “We didn’t believe enough in the decisive moments — whether to attack or defend with full determination.”
Guardiola also credited Leverkusen for their performance, noting their discipline and resilience in key situations.
“They were good. We also did some good things but every time we created half chances, something happened — a block, a slip. It wasn’t our night.”
The defeat leaves Manchester City sixth in the Champions League group-stage standings, increasing the pressure ahead of the remaining fixtures.
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