Pep Guardiola explains lack of substitutions against RB Leipzig

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has backed his decision not to use any of his substitutions in the club’s round of 16 stalemate against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

The Cityzens gave up a 1-0 lead late in the game as they were held to a 1-1 draw in Germany following Riyad Mahrez’s opener.

Guardiola’s decision not to utilise his bench saw City become the first club since Manchester United in 2018 to go that route, has defended his actions.

The gaffer had the likes of Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden on the bench but never considered giving them minutes to any as they drew.

Speaking in his post-match interview, the Spanish trainer said: “I have the opportunity to have five substitutions, I am the manager I apply and take it if I want.”

“It doesn’t mean if I have the substitutions I have to do the substitutions. I’m a so good manager to decide what I have to do or not.”

City are hoping Kevin de Bruyne, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte will be back for the return leg in three weeks.