Pep Guardiola has launched a lengthy defence of his team selection in Manchester City's 3-0 Champions League loss to Real Madrid, insisting that heavy defeats always invite scrutiny. The City manager opted for an attacking 4-2-2-2 formation at the Bernabéu, where Federico Valverde's hat-trick left the Premier League side on the brink of elimination.
Speaking before Saturday's trip to West Ham, Guardiola said he would not convince anyone of his reasoning after the result. "Every time I lose, boom," he said, adding that the criticism was not personal but normal for all managers in such situations. With 17 years of Champions League experience, he acknowledged the pattern: "The storm passed in one day, now West Ham, and prepare for Tuesday."
Despite dominating possession and recording 75% more touches in the opposition box than Madrid, City drew a blank, with several crosses wasted. Guardiola urged his forwards to anticipate better: "You make a movement, beat your man before the ball is played and you will score. It's guts and nose, that is the question for them."
Erling Haaland was partnered by Antoine Semenyo in attack, a departure from his usual lone striking role, after scoring only four times in his past 17 games. However, he has an impressive record against West Ham, with 11 goals in seven appearances. Guardiola said City are "desperate" for all three points to close the gap with Arsenal, and he heads into the match having been named Premier League manager of the month for February – his first such award since December 2021 – after collecting 12 points from a possible 15.
