Belfast Telegraph

Pep happy to emerge unscathed ahead of domestic challenges

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Guardiola added: “England have an incredible generation of young players. For the next decade, England has incredible players and it’s good for the country.”

City were hit by a stunning early goal from Dani Olmo and their equaliser was controvers­ial as two players went down injured in the build-up.

Guardiola said: “I think Riyad (Mahrez) didn’t see the player on the grass and I think the referee took the decisions he should take.”

Guardiola did not complain after Rodri was elbowed in the face by Amer Gojak.

He said: “It was contact with the opponent but he is strong.”

However, after Gojak went unpunished by referee and VAR, Guardiola did hint that he was unhappy with the role of the video official.

He said: “On VAR I was a big fan and I will try to continue to be a big fan in the future.”

City, who had already qualified for the last 16, finish the group unbeaten with 14 points.

Guardiola said: “We didn’t play for points, we played for ourselves. It was important to finish in that way, and with no injuries or yellow cards.

“We will now focus on the Premier League and other competitio­ns and see in what condition we are when we arrive in February.”

Dinamo had gone into the game with hopes of making the last 16. Had they held onto their lead they would have gone through but the defeat instead condemned them to bottom spot and also denied them a Europa League place after Atalanta followed City into the knockout stages with victory at Shakhtar Donetsk after recovering from losing their first three games.

The Serie A side only had one point after four matches — including a 4-0 and 5-1 defeat — but wins over Dinamo and Shakhtar have taken them through.

Dinamo coach Nenad Bjelica was unhappy with City’s equaliser but did not blame the visitors.

Asked if play should have been stopped, he said: “I see it the same way, but we maybe should have reacted in that situation better because three opponents were on one of ours. I don’t think the opponent did that on purpose.

“We are sad our European campaign is at an end but I am proud and happy for everything we showed in these six matches.”

 ??  ?? In control: Pep Guardiola urges his men from the sidelines
In control: Pep Guardiola urges his men from the sidelines

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