Pep Guardiola’s declaration of trust almost exposed by misfiring stars | Paul Wilson


The Manchester City manager’s faith in his players to perform out of position was shaken on a tough night against a spirited Bristol City side

Nothing escapes Pep Guardiola. “Bristol City have already beaten four Premier League sides in this competition,” the Manchester City manager noted beforehand. “That tells me something is going on and we need to be careful.”

Goodness knows what sort of a side Guardiola would come up with if he was being cavalier, then. His safety-first policy here amounted to keeping most of his big-name attackers but reshuffling his defence, perhaps not the wisest policy against adventurous opponents full of confidence and on a hiding to nothing.

Related: Sergio Agüero rides to Manchester City’s rescue against Bristol City

Related: Bristol City’s Lee Johnson warns Pep Guardiola to be ready for Ashton Gate

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