Every time we have a high profile game between two heavyweights of the game, it is taken as the next best thing in soccer and after the game, almost every time, we get to hear the views of losing side who lambastes either referee or unfair gameplay of the opponents that deprived them to deliver good.
Along with winning side manager does not stop clapping his back while losing manager downplays the importance of just one defeat. This is something that happened last night when Barcelona humiliated Manchester City by 4-0 at Camp Nou, Barcelona. Although Manchester City was never expected to overcome the European giant but the way they gave up is something that took them down the table for fans who were expecting them to deliver their best against a tough opponent. Like expected, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola denies to accept it was Manchester City worst ever show against his former side. It was a strange result for fans also since they were expecting Guardiola to use his experience mentoring the Barca side in the past and use their shortcoming for his advantage but he not only failed to do so but as well could not took any wise decision during the game.
Anyways, as far Barca show is concerned, Lionel Messi reclaimed his lost form with a hat trick while Brazilian star Neymar added the fourth goal to the score card. Talking about Manchester City gameplay and why they could not capitalize the opportunities coming into their ways, Spanish boss blamed his defense for not defusing opponent firing shots; however, he praised his forward line for creating enough opportunities which they could not capitalize on. Reacting if it was Manchester City worst defeat, 45-year-old former Barcelona manager said, “The worst defeat of my career was with Bayern against Madrid. It was the whole situation and the mistakes I made with the starting line-up.
“Last time with Bayern we didn’t create chances but today we did, we created chances to score one or two goals. But Barca can punish you, they have a lot of quality. We controlled, except the goal.”
This defeat made it difficult now for Manchester City to enter into the second stage with its second position in the Group ranking – one ahead of nearest rival Borussia Monchengladbach. However, Barcelona becomes even stronger on the top of Group C with nine clear points lead to the runner up.
Pep Guardiola: Kostas Koutsaftikis / Shutterstock.com