pep guargiola admits Manchester City must “change the dynamic” following their humbling 3-1 Champions League defeat to Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday.
At the exuberant Aspmyra Stadion, Kasper Hogh’s first-half brace and Jens Petter Hauge’s second-half goal blew Guardiola’s side away.
Rayan Cherki equalized immediately after Hauge’s goal, but Rodri’s departure for two bookings left City reeling as Bodo/Glimt celebrated their first Champions League group stage victory.
Bodo’s population of only 55,000 people might almost fit inside City’s Etihad Stadium.
Despite the vast financial and talent gap between the clubs, Kjetil Knutsen’s underdogs humiliated the Premier League giants.
City’s ambition for an automatic spot in the last 16 is dependent on their last group phase game at home to Galatasaray next week.
The 2023 European champions, who failed to win a trophy last season, are also winless in their last four Premier League games, with Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Manchester United putting them seven points behind leaders Arsenal.
Guardiola Stated ?
Guardiola expressed anguish as he outlined the causes behind City’s downturn.
“Everything has started to be, since the new year, against us in many, many things,” he informed me.
“I understand how fantastic a team Bodo is. I did not underestimate them. I don’t know much about them, but they made it to the Europa League semi-finals last season and were still vivid in my mind.
“We arrived in certain sections without key players who provide consistency for the club. They are a little vulnerable, as they were last season during a specific period.
“How they fought 10 against 11, a lot of players made a step up, but we have to change the dynamic quick for the next game against Wolves and after that the last game against Galatasaray.”
City’s sole wins in 2026 were against third-tier Exeter in the FA Cup and Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final first leg.
Guardiola was absent 11 senior players in Norway because to injury, illness, suspension, or ineligibility.
Guardiola said that the conditions made it difficult for City to perform with their typical vigor, saying: “It was a wonderful opportunity for us, and the impression is that everything that can go wrong, is going wrong in many, many details.
in His Words?
“That is a fact and you have to try to change it.”
Guardiola brushed off suggestions that his team was not adequately equipped to deal with Bodo/Glimt’s persistent pressing.
“I do not agree,” he replied. “Bodo were excellent, and we congratulate them. “We can’t say anything else.”
Guardiola refused to chastise Spain player Rodri for his red card, which was prompted by two bookings in a row.
Rodri has struggled in his difficult comeback season after missing the majority of the previous season due to a significant knee injury.
“It was a difficult situation.” We misplaced the ball. We made a change, but they move quickly, and sometimes you have to respond,” he explained.
“It’s little bit soft, the second one, but it is what it is.”
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