Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini was left ruing his side’s ‘very bad’ performance last night as the Citizens sunk to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of European champions Bayern Munich.
The Blues found it difficult to retain possession against Pep Guardiola’s team and the German side took an early lead from a Franck Ribery strike.
After the match Pellegrini bemoaned his side’s inability to keep the ball and believes his team learned an important lesson.
“We played very bad. Bayern Munich played a very good game as always. We learned an important lesson in their goals,” he told Sky Sports.
“We didn’t have enough time with the ball at our feet.
“I think that we were playing in a different way. They had possession of the ball and I don’t think we can make the change to fight that.”
City started the second half brightly and looked like they had answers to Bayern’s intense pressure.
However, sloppy defending allowed Thomas Muller to add a second and Arjen Robben ensured there was no way back for the Blues by adding another three minutes later.
While City’s outfield display left a lot to be desired the performance of their number one goalkeeper Joe Hart left Pellegrini with a further headache.
“Of course I am worried about the mistakes but I think that it was not an easy game, we played against a very strong team.”
“The three goals – I think we can do better, not only the goalkeeper.”
City managed to salvage a consolation goal on 80 minutes after Alvaro Negredo beat Manuel Neuer with a beautiful curling effort.
After the match, Pellegrini defended his tactical choices despite Munich never being in any real danger.
“I always think a lot of things before and after the match. It was a possibility, but I thought this was the best way to play,” he said.
“I will talk about that with the players in private.
“All the games are very important. This was an important game to see what level we are playing at.”
Image courtesy of MCFC via YouTube, with thanks.
