Three things Pep Guardiola got wrong as Manchester City lose 2-0 against PSG
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Pep Guardiola had a night to forget as Manchester City laboured to a 2-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
The Spaniard named an attacking line-up in the French capital, with Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling all getting the nod from the off.
But despite enjoying the bulk of the possession, City were unable to find a way through PSG's organised defence as goals from Idrissa Gueye and Lionel Messi gave the hosts a 2-0 win.
Daily Star Sport look at where it went wrong for Guardiola on the night, and what he could have done differently to get the result he so dearly craved against the French giants.
Sterling up front
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There are times when City appear vindicated in their decision to persevere without a recognised centre-forward. But there are other times when the Etihad side really need someone who knows where the back of the net is.
Against PSG, it was very much the latter. Guardiola started with Sterling in the central role up front, a decision which seemed odd not least because the 26-year-old has been disappointing in front of goal for some time now.
Predictably, the England ace didn't enjoy himself in front of goal, squandering a golden chance in the first-half by hitting the bar when it was easier to score, and never really looking like the man who would come to City's rescue.
Starting Grealish
Grealish has enjoyed a good start to his City career, scoring two goals and providing two assists in his first eight matches, but things might have been just a bit too much for him against PSG.
The former Aston Villa man was far too predictable throughout the match, frequently cutting back from his left foot onto his right, a trick that the Parisian defenders quickly saw coming.
Grealish didn't get any change out of Achraf Hakimi whatsoever, and it was no surprise when Guardiola hooked him for Phil Foden with City chasing the game.
He'll only get better with more appearances at this level, but this wasn't the 26-year-old night.
Foden on the bench
City really could have done with another technician at Parc des Princes, so it was a mystery why it took Guardiola until quite late in the day to introduce Phil Foden.
The youngster shone almost instantly, showing a couple of nice touches and putting in two dangerous crossed that had PSG on the back foot.
Ultimately, his appearance came too late in the day, because almost within minutes of his introduction, Lionel Messi scored his first goal for the French giants to wrap the game up.
- Manchester City FC
- Champions League
- Premier League
- PSG FC
- Pep Guardiola
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