Pep Guardiola offers reasoning behind lack of substitutions amid RB Leipzig criticism

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hit back at recent criticism surrounding his decision not to make any substitutions in Wednesday’s draw against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League.

Pep Guardiola once again came under fire for his lack changes in midweek, as the Catalan opted to make no substitutes in the Blues’ 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig in Germany.

Both Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez were unused substitutes on Wednesday evening, with City stuttering to a 1-1 draw in the first-leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash.

Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring for the Blues midway through the first half before Josko Gvardiol pegged the Bundesliga club back level with a header.

City were dominant in the opening 45 minutes in Leipzig however struggled in the second half, coming under intense pressure from the much-improved home side.

Guardiola’s tactical choices have been heavily scrutinised in the past, and after opting to make no changes on Wednesday despite the underwhelming second half performance, the Catalan’s selection choices were subject to questioning on Friday afternoon.

Discussing his decision making ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth, the City manager said: “I don’t know if making substitutions is about tactics, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, whatever telephone numbers.

“I’m not concerned, Kevin was not there, Aymeric [Laporte], John [Stones].

“In the second-half [vs Leipzig], I wanted to make a change; maybe Phil [Foden] or Julian [Alvarez] near Erling [Haaland].

“After we conceded, we were good. When the situation is going well, I don’t like to change around normally. When I don’t like what I see, I will.”

City are expected to welcome Kevin De Bruyne back to the squad ahead of the weekend, when the Blues travel to South Coast, looking to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing result against Nottingham Forest.

The Sky Blues fell two points league leaders Arsenal last weekend, while Manchester United moved to within three points of Pep Guardiola’s side.

City are bidding to win a hat-trick of Premier League titles this year, and when previewing the title race, Guardiola was tight-lipped on the teams that he felt could challenge for the Blues’ crown.

“Take a look at the table to know that,” replied the Catalan.

“Well I would expect, when I arrived here and I sit down for the press conference and everyone warning me, they said: ‘Ah, this is not the same as Spain or Germany, so welcome to the UK!’

“Unfortunately, the last five seasons it didn’t happen, it’s been a two-horse race but now finally there are more.”