Pep Guardiola sheds light on Phil Foden gamble as Man City star provides spark

Phil Foden came off the bench to help Man City beat Atletico Madrid in their Champions League clash, but Pep Guardiola admits the second-half switch was a gamble.

Pep Guardiola claimed that bringing in Phil Foden was something of a gamble, as the England star provided a much-needed spark for Manchester City at the Etihad.

The Catalan watched as his team huffed and puffed in search of the decisive goal against a stubborn Atlético de Madrid defence. Kevin De Bruyne ultimately proved to be the winner of the match, as he effectively teamed up with Foden, who had only been active for 90 seconds, before getting past Jan Oblak.

Diego Simeone prepared his team as many expected and it was up to City to find a way to overcome the Spanish team. They were unable to create any clear chances in the first half before the game opened in the second 45. Foden proved to be an inspired arrival when Guardiola made a triple change.

The City boss told BT Sport: “The lads were playing well but we know Gabriel and Phil have a special energy and Jack for the quality of keeping the ball. Only when we make a substitution is it because we think it can be a bit better. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.”

De Bruyne cited the difficulties of playing against Atlético, who sat most of their players behind the ball, and knew it was vital that he seize his chance: “The first half was tight, in the second half we had a couple of chances and It was good that we took one.

“I did the race and Phil [Foden] He found me perfectly, I needed to keep my composure and luckily I did. It is very hard. They played with almost five at the back and with five in midfield. I recommend to anyone who says something. [about us]Let them try to play against that in training camp.”

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City’s work is far from over as they prepare for the second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano. Guardiola is looking to win his third Champions League and his first in 11 years after seeing his team miss the final last term. Chelsea or Real Madrid will be on the lookout for the winners of the round of 16.

Guardiola also has to prepare his team for two games against Liverpool in a fortnight. The champions host a riotous red team that is in the midst of a sensational winning streak. The winner of Sunday’s clash will be the favorites to claim the Premier League title.

The City manager said of their upcoming matches: “We have to be focused on what we have to do. It’s difficult to face a team with a lot of experience in this kind of competition, we’re going to go there and try to win.” the match. We’ll see what happens. We have five days to prepare Liverpool and only three days in Madrid and we’ll see.”