Pep Guardiola backs Manchester City system following back-to-back defeats
Sunday 8 April 2018 23:24, UK
Pep Guardiola has defended his system at Manchester City, arguing they have demonstrated their ability to compete with the best this season.
Despite leading the Premier League by 13 points, City have come under criticism following back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and Manchester United.
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Guardiola understands why his tactics have been brought into question after the past week, but pointed out City's record-breaking season suggests such assessments are inaccurate.
"I came here to try to do what we've done all season, but maybe it's not enough to win at Champions League level or the Premier League," said Guardiola after Saturday's game.
"If that's so I will have to recognise that I'm not good enough or the way we want to play [means we are] not able to do that - but I don't think so because of what we've done this season."
Guardiola says it will be difficult for his players to pick themselves up for Tuesday's Champions League tie with Liverpool after giving up a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to city rivals Manchester United on Saturday.
"Yes, it can happen," Guardiola said. "It's difficult in itself, and it's difficult for our mood not winning.
"I like to watch my team, the way we play this season and the way we played in the first half - but when you play against Liverpool or in Europe, when you have that momentum, you have to close the door. And we didn't close it."
