Despite having recorded a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening, Pep Guardiola cut a frustrated figure in the immediate aftermath of the encounter, suggesting that it is very difficult to attack against a 5-5-0 formation, both in the present day and in prehistoric times.
Whilst the Spanish coach always has the potential to drop some hyperbole in his press conferences, he appeared especially unhappy with the defensive shape used by Atleti at the Etihad Stadium.
"We sensed they would play 3-5-2, then they adjusted and went to a 5-5-0, something that in prehistoric times and today is very difficult to attack," Guardiola explained in his post-match press conference.
"There is no space, they are strong, whilst we are small and light. It's a question of patience, I told them at half-time that we were doing well, and the game broke down in the second-half, but I already sense that it's going to be a similar game in Madrid."
Guardiola, whilst frustrated by the defensive tactics on show, was complimentary towards the effort of Atletico Madrid's defensive players, labelling them masters of the art.
"It was a hard-fought match, a very difficult one," Guardiola continued.
"They are masters at defending all together and it's difficult. We managed to stop them running, we didn't create chances but we were patient and got the goal from a Foden connection with Kevin."
Phil Foden changed the match
It was a surprise to most in attendance at the Etihad Stadium when team news filtered through and both Phil Foden and Jack Grealish had been left on the bench, yet the former would go on to have a major impact on the outcome of the match.
"Foden had some very good moments," Guardiola added.
"We know he has this quality. Jack [Grealish] is special in giving continuity to the game, it was a very even match and a question of patience."
Styles will clash once more
Guardiola refused to answer whether or not he felt his style of football had won out against Simeone's more defensive brand, merely confirming that there is a second-leg to come and that neither team is yet through to the semi-final.
"No... I don't know, I don't know," Guardiola confirmed.
"We've won one game, there's the second leg and we'll see. We'll learn from today's game and try to be a little better."
whykallar
833
I hope Diego Simeone continued his 5-5 formation in Atletico Madrid or else he will receive 7 from Pep's Man City.
WFurthado
682
Even Simeone can tell yhe same - its difficult to defend against Oil money and 0-2-8 formation😁
RedNoSignal
652
game changer💪💪💪
Mariakanibarracks
502
One thing I like about City is that they don't know the difference btn home and away,they Just play their football to the fullest
MohsinH47
436
atletico madrid board must sack simeone. he is destroying the team. ues, he did achieve many things with ATM. atm is always a defensive and counter attack team in past and present.but this doesn't work any more. they have one of the best squad and many aggressive attacking players but instead he always use them as a defensive team. i wish felix leave and play for a team he deserves better.
Anthonypizzy
398
park the plane ✈
epjo
369
ATLETICO MADRID TACTICS are very boring to watch now SIMEONE should adopt to modern football 0 shoot in target such a shame
Magpie_Fan
282
City deserves to progress more. Defensive football will win you a couple of games, but there will be a time when lack of concentration will cause errors in the defense.
Ebubechukwu1996
208
Atletico Madrid thinks All Manchester are United, unfurnished City are different
Gilbertgooner
202
Dear dear simeone
Rohcdiopsy
150
Simeone's Atletico playing 5-5-0 formation, no shot at the opponents goal not even the famous counter attack is a cowardly way of playing through to the final of the UCL. I'm not suprised he has taken his team twice to the UCL finals and faltered on every occasion, Atletico has such quality in the team playing such frustrating football is ugly indeed. Real Madrid has won 90% of their matches against Atletico because they always know if their opponents are going to shoot at the goal it will probably twice in 90mins, RM meanwhile will endeavour to register 10 shots and carry the day. Such grinding football can win you the league at most and nothing else. Simeone at present is most likely the longest serving manager at one club but with all such trust from the club hierarchy and quality of players available to him playing such negative football is a total disaster, lack of imagination and pure cowardly behaviour. Man City will carry the day at Wanda in their next encounter.
JamieMas
133
They even came into the game with a back 5 starting already so how you supposed to break down a 5-5-0 formation. Everyone is defending. The commentator even said Joao Felix was so busy marking cancelo and Griezeman was keeping tabs on Ake, so how they expected to get forward when their strikers themselves are defending so deep? Second leg I agree with Pep it's gonna be the same energy from them.
pewcdmpsty
115
the same atletico klopp beat home away and complained and man city fans called it excuse now pep managed 1.0 and cry[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh] klopp is master because atletico will still knock man city out save my comment.. 1.0 is not result
Barca_4_Life_
114
I glad that we scored 4 goals against them
Hebbklnpy
11
I hope Diego Simeone continued his 5-5 formation in Atletico Madrid or else he will receive 7 from Pep's Man City.
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Personally I don't think the formation will work on the second leg coz pep would have figured something out
Hakabcdik
8
Even Simeone can tell yhe same - its difficult to defend against Oil money and 0-2-8 formation😁
2-8 reminds me a something 😂