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Why Pep is wrong about Manchester City’s defense in CL defeat

By Nathan Reynolds

MONACO, MONACO - MARCH 15: Coach of Manchester City Pep Guardiola answers to the media following the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match between AS Monaco (ASM) and Manchester City FC at Stade Louis II on March 15, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
MONACO, MONACO - MARCH 15: Coach of Manchester City Pep Guardiola answers to the media following the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match between AS Monaco (ASM) and Manchester City FC at Stade Louis II on March 15, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /
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After leg two of Manchester City’s Champions League tie with Monaco, the boss commented on the defense, but gets the intention incorrect.

On Wednesday Manchester City completed their Round of 16 tie against Ligue 1’s Monaco. After a wild 5-3 winning affair in England, City’s chances of advancing looked strong. Ahead of the match it was announced that Falcao would miss the game, giving City even more of an advantage.

However, quickly things got out of hand. For much of the first half of the year City’s defense was an issue. During the opening run of the Premier League season the offense carried the team, and Bravo’s blunders were forgivable in victory.

As the season pressed on, the lack of depth and youth at the full back positions began to show. Then Claudio Bravo’s performances relegated him into a starting role battle with Willy Caballero. When 2017 arrived Gabriel Jesus sparked the offense, and once again dreams were alive.

While the first leg against Monaco was frustrating on the defensive end, the five goals made up for it, and allowed City fans to breathe about their Champions League dreams. Of course we now know differently.

Joy for Fabinho of Monaco as he puts his side 2-0 ahead during the Uefa Champions League match between As Monaco and Manchester City, round of 16 second leg at Stade Louis II on March 15, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Dave Winter/Icon Sport)
Joy for Fabinho of Monaco as he puts his side 2-0 ahead during the Uefa Champions League match between As Monaco and Manchester City, round of 16 second leg at Stade Louis II on March 15, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Dave Winter/Icon Sport) /

Not the defense’s fault?

Monaco took a quickly lead and eventually advanced on away goals. After the game in the post match press conference Pep stated that the result was not the defense’s fault. Seriously?

Yes, there are 11 players out there. But when you give up six goals, across two matches, in the Champions League that’s bad. Sure, Arsenal did worse, but that was Bayern Munich. Manchester City cannot find this acceptable.

When the offense can score six goals you expect to win a two-leg tie. While Pep is likely just covering for his players, it is a glaringly incorrect statement. City lost because of the defense, and nothing else.

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Now the attention turns back to trying to close the Premier League gap with Chelsea and a FA Cup tie with Arsenal in the weeks ahead. In the summer, Pep needs to restate that the defense is poor and rebuild it in the transfer window.