Guardiola’s Lyon tactics ‘not to blame’
RB LEIPZIG manager Julian Nagelsmann says Pep Guardiola’s formation change was not the reason for City’s Champions League exit.
The Blues boss controversial change to 3-5-2 has been pointed to as a major factor in the under-par performance against Lyon on Saturday as they were knocked out at the quarter-final stage for the third season in a row in Europe.
After the game, which saw Lyon run out 3-1 winners, Guardiola suggested tactics are not important in big games like the quarter-final, something Nagelsmann offered his support for.
The German, 33, is preparing his side for a semi-final with PSG, and he has been named as a possible successor to Guardiola due to his impressive work with Hoffenheim and now Leipzig. Earlier this year, Nagelsmann revealed how he and the Blues boss discuss tactics over the phone after remaining in touch following City’s group stage matches with Hoffenheim last season.
Asked about Guardiola’s tactics claim, Nagelsmann said the Catalan would have been praised for his decision if City had won.
“I don’t know how often they have trained with a back three before,” he said.
“The idea he basically had was for the format of his players certainly not to be too complicated.
“Whether 3-4-3 or 4-3-3, I don’t think that is that crucial for a Kevin de Bruyne. In the end, it’s individual situations and not the basic order.
“In my opinion, it is a bit too easy and too bold to always blame the formation for something like that.
“If he had won, everyone would have said: ‘World-class tactics! Now he has surprised everyone.’ It’s a tightrope.
“In a knockout game you often have to make tactical adjustments that you might not make in the league.
“If necessary, you can take a point with you. That doesn’t work in the Champions League. Every coach has to be there to find your own way.”