Pep Guardiola hits back after being ‘massacred’ for Champions League selectionBy Andy Hampson, Press AssociationPep Guardiola has launched a passionate defence of his team selection following Manchester City’s defeat at Real Madrid. City went down 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the Bernabeu on Wednesday after Guardiola opted for an attack-minded line-up. I’ve lost many times in Champions League at all stages – many, many, many times – and have been massacred for decisions and what happened. “My argument or reason (to) justify the team selection – it’s because I lost, we lost the game. Guardiola was criticised for his 2021 Champions League final selection (Adam Davy/PA) Photo by Adam DavyHe said: “I played a final of the Champions League without Fernandinho and Rodri as holding midfielder against Chelsea.

Source: Irish Independent March 14, 2026 10:03 UTC