Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola was highly complimentary of Inter following Wednesday’s nil-nil tie and also rubbished some chatter about their reported interest in Alessandro Bastoni. He spoke to various outlets following the match (via SOSFanta).
“The road to win the Champions League is long, but we played better than in 2023. They defended very well, and I admire that, but we did too. They didn’t have big chances other than with Lautaro Martinez on a counter. They are a top team. Nicolò Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu are exceptional. I would have rather won, but we have no regrets.”
Guardiola addressed the past Bastoni buzz and Erling Haaland struggling versus Inter.
“It’s not true that I tried to bring the defender to Manchester City. It’s hard for our striker since six men were guarding him. It’d be tough for everybody. The only way to solve the problem is to have more players close to him. I don’t expect to create 25 scoring opportunities against them, though. The credit goes more to them. They also have an excellent goalie.”
Guardiola dished on the tactics of Inter coach Simone Inzaghi.
“I admire their defensive prowess and how they can stay behind the ball. I like how they play a lot and consider them highly. We did everything we could to prevail. This match can’t be compared to a final. Plus, it would have been different if it took place in Milan. They are the Italian champions and are fully in control. I can only say that I have great respect. I still appreciated my team a lot. We’re not at the top of our capabilities, but we have started well.”
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