Live

Repeat: Off The Ball

02:00 AM-05:00 AM

Repeat: Off The Ball
Advertisement

Sport

"It was a Boxing Day game, so..." | Guardiola speaks after Etihad goalfest

Speaking after the game, Guardiola remarked that such a result was not unexpected on a day which traditionally produces goalfests.



Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says it is no surprise that there were so many goals in their game against Leicester on Saturday.

City ran out 6-3 winners over Brendan Rodgers’ team at the Etihad on St. Stephen’s Day.

Goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gündogan, plus two penalties, helped the home side amass a 4-0 lead by the 26th minute.

However, the Foxes fought back to reduce the deficit to just one goal, before Guardiola's team finally pulled away.

Speaking to the media after the game, Guardiola remarked it was a “Boxing Day game, so” such a result was not unexpected on a day which traditionally produces goalfests.

However, the Man City boss gave credit to both teams for playing their part in an excellent match.

“Yeah, we had an exceptional first half," Guardiola said. "But even in the first half, when they had the ball, [we] always arrived in the position to punish.”

“We spoke at half-time, and they changed their shape with five at the back. They defended deep, awaiting the actions, and immediately they found two goals.”

“We didn’t know if we should attack or be more cautious. We were lucky at the end with the set pieces, where we could score the fifth and sixth goals - otherwise, there would’ve been problems until the end.”

“Football is over when it’s over," Guardiola pointed out. "Against good teams like Leicester, with the quality that they have, anything can happen.”

Guardiola: "I’m not disappointed with my team's defence"

Guardiola also noted that he is not upset with his team’s defence on the day, despite conceding two goals on the counter-attack.

“I’m not disappointed with my team, because the opening had good actions and good quality,” Guardiola added.

“Ayme[ric Laporte] and Ruben [Dias] knew that it was one [more] yellow card to get suspended, and so he was not aggressive at that moment.”

“Normally, he would be aggressive to win that ball. With the quality of the people they have up front, that can happen.”

“Overall, the game was really good, especially in that first half," Guardiola continued. "And there were good moments in the second.”

WATCH: Danny Mullins and Tornado Flyer win the King George VI Chase

Football on Off The Ball, brought to you by Sky.

All the football you love in one place across Sky Sports, BT Sport & Premier Sports.

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.


Read more about

Brendan Rodgers Football On Off The Ball Leicester Man City Pep Guardiola. Premier League Premier League

Live: Title

Description

Added to queue
Removed from queue

On Air

Share

Share

Next up in queue

Title
Description
Duration

There are currently no podcasts in the queue

Go to podcasts

On Air

Repeat: Off The Ball

Repeat: Off The Ball

02:00 AM-05:00 AM

Share

Up next

Repeat: OTB AM

Repeat: OTB AM

05:00 AM-07:00 AM

Share

Highlights on Off The Ball

Highlights on Off The Ball

07:00 AM-07:30 AM

Share

LIVE: OTB AM

LIVE: OTB AM

07:30 AM-10:00 AM

Share

Repeat: OTB AM

Repeat: OTB AM

10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Share

Highlights on Off The Ball

Highlights on Off The Ball

12:00 PM-01:00 PM

Share

OTB Gold

OTB Gold

01:00 PM-02:00 PM

Share

Highlights on Off The Ball

Highlights on Off The Ball

02:00 PM-06:00 PM

Share

OTB Gold

OTB Gold

06:00 PM-07:00 PM

Share

LIVE: Newsround

LIVE: Newsround

07:00 PM-07:30 PM

Share

LIVE: Off The Ball

LIVE: Off The Ball

07:30 PM-09:00 PM

Share

LIVE: The Football Show

LIVE: The Football Show

09:00 PM-10:00 PM

Share

Repeat: Off The Ball

Repeat: Off The Ball

10:00 PM-12:00 AM

Share

Repeat: OTB AM

Repeat: OTB AM

12:00 AM-02:00 AM

Share

Repeat: Off The Ball

Repeat: Off The Ball

02:00 AM-05:00 AM

Share

00:00:00 / 00:00:00

Share on