Pep Guardiola has sarcastically responded to criticism that he can overthink tactics in the Champions League - promising to start 12 players in Manchester City ’s quarter final with Atletico Madrid.
City host Diego Simeone’s side as they look to finally end their wait for Europe’s biggest prize, 11 years on from first qualifying for the tournament. A number of those near-misses have come under the stewardship of Guardiola, most notably the defeat to Chelsea in Porto last season.
The Premier League champions went into that encounter as the favourites to lift the trophy, but were undone by a tactical masterclass from Thomas Tuchel. Guardiola was questioned in the aftermath of the defeat, after deciding to drop both Fernandinho and Rodri from the starting XI.
