Sergio Aguero ‘doesn’t get’ Pep Guardiola’s decision during Manchester City’s draw with Real Madrid.
Man City and Real Madrid drew 1-1 at the Bernabeu on Tuesday, with Pep Guardiola making no substitutions during the 90-minute match.
Pep Guardiola’s tactics have come under scrutiny during Manchester City’s tense Champions League match against Real Madrid.
City’s solid start was undone 36 minutes in when Vinicius Jnr fired a magnificent strike into the top corner from 25 yards out, tying the game at 1-1. However, Kevin de Bruyne’s similarly stunning long-range effort midway through the second half leveled matters, leaving things ideally poised going into the second leg at The Etihad next Wednesday.
Despite the intensity and pace of the game, Guardiola chose not to make any substitutions during the 90-minute period. Despite the fact that players like Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez are primed to make an impact off the bench.
Guardiola’s failure to use another forward, however, prompted former City striker Sergio Aguero to criticize him. Despite having a rising influence in recent games, World Cup winner Julian Alvarez played no part last night.
The European Cup was a trophy that eluded Aguero during his otherwise remarkable 10-year stay in Manchester. Indeed, his penultimate appearance for City was in a 1-0 loss to Chelsea two years ago.
After the game, he said on the @AlbicelesteTalk podcast that leaving his compatriot on the bench was a squandered opportunity: “What I don’t understand is why he didn’t put (on) Julian,” he commented. “I’m curious, but it’s Pep.” If it were up to me, I’d put Julian in practically every game because we need him to be active and have a spark.”
Despite being limited to a supporting role due to Erling Haaland’s form, Alvarez has scored 15 goals for City this season. And his winning goal against Fulham last month could be crucial in the title fight as Guardiola’s side chases an unprecedented treble.
The Spanish manager is almost certain to change his starting XI for Sunday’s trip to Everton, only three days before his team hosts Real Madrid in the second leg. And, while he made no mention of his strategy of not using substitutes in his post-match analysis, he was upbeat about the prospect of a second leg on home soil.
“We were better when they scored, they were better when we scored,” Guardiola told BT Sport. “It was a tight game. Real Madrid in the semi-final is always a tough one. We turned up, we had good moments, it’s difficult with the quality they have on and off the ball. 1-1, final next Wednesday with our people.”
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