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Nagelsmann jumps in Guardiola’s defense over Man City’s CL exit

Julian Nagelsmann of RB Leipzig, Pep Guardiola of Manchester City
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Manchester City’s defeat to Lyon was a result of players’ inability rather than a tactical blunder, notes Julian Nagelsmann.

It came as a surprise, or perhaps shock, for fans when Manchester City were shown the Champions League exit door by Olympique Lyon on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola gave far too much respect to the Lyon attack, opting for a three-man defense – only for it to fail. His side’s defense got battered as they conceded three goals.

Pundits and fans alike have been severely critical of Guardiola since then, especially for taking such a bold tactical risk at a crucial stage.

Some fans even called for him to be sacked in the wake of Man City’s horrendous ending to the 2019/20 season.

Julian Nagelsmann, however, feels that he has been getting undeserved criticism. Nagelsmann argues that had the former FC Barcelona boss won, he would be hailed as a ‘genius’.

“In the end, it’s individual situations and not the basic order,” Nagelsmann told Goal and DAZN.

“In my opinion, it is a bit too easy and too bold to always blame the formation for something like that. If he had won, everyone would have said: ‘World-class tactics! Now he has surprised everyone.’ It’s a tightrope.

“In a knockout game, you often have to make tactical adjustments that you might not make in the league. Every coach has to be there to find your own way.”

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