Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed how adjustments in tactics, helped his side overcome FC Porto that paraded Nigeria’s Zaidu Sanusi, in Wednesday’s Champions League clash.
City fell behind early in the first half at the Etihad but fought back to claim a 3- in their opening group stage fixture
Sergio Aguero scored from the penalty spot to level the scores, before Ilkay Gundogan and Ferran Torres secured the win.
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Sanusi was in action for Porto against the Premier League giants before he was replaced in the 77th minute.
And Guardiola says some tactical changes made shortly before the break gave his side the control they needed in order to come out on top.
“This is a good start for us and the next step we go to France to get the second one,” Guardiola said via BBC Sport.
“At set pieces they were strong. By the second half we didn’t concede anything set pieces or counter attacks so we controlled the game.
“Teams that set up with lots back you have to wait for your moment. We adjusted a little something at the end of the first half. We spoke about being patient, we had to be patient and at the right moment attack them, so we let them run.”
City’s win was soured by the news that midfielder Fernandinho will be out for upto six weeks with a reoccurrence of a leg injury.
The Brazilian came on as an 85th minute substitute but went off again in added time.
When asked for an update on the 35-year-old, Guardiola revealed: “It’s bad news, it’s in the place he was injured before. It’s in his leg, I think he will be out for four to six weeks. It is a big blow for us because we need people there.”
City already have Kevin de Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, Nathan Ake, Benjamin Mendy and Aymeric Laporte on the sidelines.
2 Comments
Man dem. Reading this story just tells you while Pep is up there as one of the best three managers. Watching the game yesterday, it’s evident from what he’s said on here, that was exactly what happened. But my biggest joy was watching Sanusi Zaidu strut his stuff amongst the best. You could see he is being a fighter all his life with his liveliness on the pitch. Congratulations to Sanusi, a well deserving SE player. I pray JEHOVAH GOD’s continuous blessing upon you and others..
Sanusi defended well. He wasn’t at fault for any of the goals conceded. I think he had a good game. He will surely improve beyond this as he gets more games and im guessing he has already taken ownership of the Super Eagles left back position.
He has what it takes to play with the best.