Pep Guardiola jokingly played up his own role in Manchester City’s tight 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid to give them a slender advantage in the Champions League quarter-final tie.
Kevin De Bruyne scored the only goal of the match with 20 minutes remaining at the Etihad, setting things up perfectly for the second-leg in Madrid next Wednesday.
The Belgian was assisted by Phil Foden, who provided the pass just 80 seconds after he was introduced from the bench by Guardiola as part of a triple substitution.
City’s manager was proud of the way his side dealt with an experienced opponent in Atletico, and the impact Foden, Jack Grealish and Gabriel Jesus were able to have when they were brought on.
“We played an incredibly top side, difficult to face, but we had chances to score, especially a second and third. It was a tough opening and it will be decided in Madrid,” Guardiola said on BT Sport.
“All the guys were playing well, but of course we knew Gabriel and Phil would be having special energy and Jack for the quality to keep with the ball. Today the manager was so clever!
“All the manager does when we make the substitution is we believe it will be better. Sometimes it doesn’t work. If it works it’s good. If it doesn’t work, it’s a mistake.
“We had to be focused on what we had to do. It is not easy to face a team like they have with all their experience in the tournament, but we are going there to try to score a goal and win the game.
“Now we have five days to prepare for Liverpool, then after just three days for Madrid and we will see.”
