Brian Kerr blasted Man City for their capitulation against Real Madrid while working on Virgin Media this evening.
City led until the 89th minute and appeared to be in complete control of the tie.
Two minutes later, Rodrygo was after banging in a couple of goals and sent the game to extra time. And at the end of extra time, a Karim Benzema penalty consigned City to defeat.
"It's happening over years in the Champions League that they get done" said Kerr, referring to City's up and down record in the Champions League under Pep Guardiola.
Kerr also pointed to a lack of 'steel' and character in the Manchester City team as a key reason for City's collapse.
"The first goal gave Madrid momentum and City started to look weak”
“Some of them lacked the steel that was required to get them over the line”
And Kerr saved his most scathing criticism for Jack Grealish. Grealish, who came on late in the game when City were 1-0 up, got beaten by Dani Carvajal for Madrid's first goal.
"Grealish could have done better on that first goal," said Kerr.
"Grealish backed off him."
While the most expensive English footballer in history was praised by fellow pundit Damien Delaney for the impact he had in an attacking sense, and came close with a couple of efforts, Kerr still wasn't impressed.
"Should Grealish have scored either of those chances?" said Kerr.
“You’d expect to get something from a man that cost a hundred million.”
The former Republic of Ireland manager felt much of the damage to Manchester City was done in the first leg last week. Kerr felt the decision to play Fernandinho at right back after John Stones went off injured came back to haunt Guardiola.
“Fernandinho going to right back last week cost them a goal”
“It showed a lack of real depth in Manchester City’s squad”
“Fernandinho didn't do the job and that ultimately kept the game tight.”
Real Madrid will face Liverpool in the final in three weeks time, a proposition that Damien Delaney feels Liverpool will be uncomfortable with.
“I think Liverpool will be petrified to play this Real Madrid team, because they don't know when they are beaten"
By the time the two sides meet, Liverpool could have three-quarters of a quadruple already sewn up. For City however, they must turn their focus to their remaining games in the Premier League.
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