Manchester City fans were left scratching their heads after Pep Guardiola made a staggering ten changes to his starting line-up for their Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen. The move, which saw star striker Erling Haaland dropped to the bench, has sparked debate and amusement among supporters, with many joking that the team selection was more akin to a Carabao Cup tie than a crucial European fixture.
Haaland Benched, Fans React
Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Newcastle in the Premier League, Guardiola opted for a significant reshuffle. Only Nico Gonzalez retained his place in the starting eleven. New faces like James Trafford, making his first start in a month, and Omar Marmoush, leading the attack in Haaland's absence, were given opportunities to shine.
The dramatic changes didn't go unnoticed by City fans, who took to social media to express their surprise. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) questioned, "We playing in the UCL or the Carabao Cup?" Others echoed similar sentiments, with some suggesting the line-up was disrespectful to Bayer Leverkusen and the Champions League itself.
Guardiola Reaches Milestone
Despite the controversy surrounding the team selection, the match against Leverkusen marked a significant milestone for Guardiola: his 100th game in charge of Man City in the Champions League. Reflecting on his longevity, Guardiola quipped, "I realise I'm getting old, every weekend it's milestones and milestones."
Looking Ahead
Man City entered the match with a strong record in the Champions League, having secured 10 points from a possible 12. A victory against Leverkusen would solidify their position in the top eight and secure an automatic place in the last 16. However, Leverkusen were looking to build on their first league phase win against Benfica and prove their mettle against Europe's elite.
With key players like Mateo Kovacic and Rodri sidelined due to injury, Guardiola's squad depth was being tested. The match promised to be an intriguing encounter, with both teams vying for a crucial victory in their quest for Champions League glory.Ultimately, the game's outcome would speak volumes about Guardiola's tactical gamble and the strength of Man City's squad.