Owen Hargreaves believes Pep Guardiola would have wanted his Manchester City players to 'finish the job' in their first-leg Champions League tie against RB Leipzig as the Premier League champions were held for a second successive game in all competitions.
City's frustrations that were highlighted in their recent English top-flight draw away to Nottingham Forest saw their away-from-home woes continue in Wednesday's trip to Germany.
Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring with a powerful effort in the 27th minute as City exerted their dominance over their Bundesliga opposition. But were hauled back into proceedings courtesy of a late goal by in-demand Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.
Former City star Hargreaves credited Leipzig for their efforts in getting back into the European tie ahead of second-leg trip to the Etihad but labelled the English outfit's star's as 'lacking intensity' in the second-half, telling BT Sport: 'The first half was brilliant, that was pure control. Second half, even from the kick off I think they lacked a bit of intensity.
'Leipzig made a good change. Henrichs came on and provided width on the right hand side and Szoboszlai was able to come inside and they were able to control the game. They are a possession based side.
'Maybe they looked at Nottingham Forest and how they defended deep. Second half they realised they had to come out more. They are a ball-playing side and we saw that. Credit Leipzig but I think City were a bit reserved.
'I think that is probably what Pep was saying to his players there. They had them. Just finish the job,' he added.
City's Spanish leader Guardiola cut an aggravated figure in the away dugout at the Red Bull Arena, staunching his technical area, and throwing in the customary theatrical reaction at times.
But player-turned-pundit Hargreaves understands the Blues boss' reaction and admitted Guardiola 'will be annoyed' with what he saw from his players at times throughout the second-half.
City dominated with 62% possession overall but couldn't convert on goalscoring opportunities, registering just three shots on targets throughout 90 minutes and superstar striker Erling Haaland seeing his impact limited.
Hargreaves stopped short of overly criticising his old club and insisted the draw was a 'decent result' but did explain they could have scored more goals if they played like they did in the first half.
'I think he (Guardiola) will be annoyed they stopped playing and that Lepzig were so much better in that second half. We said they would come out more and they did.
'All in all it is a decent result, but I think there was more in it for City if they played like they did in the first half.
City will resume their quest for a place at the top of the Premier League with a weekend trip to strugglers Bournemouth.
Vawalnosz
1
Guardiola should know when to use Haaland and when to use Alvarez. Haaland is a good striker but he doesn't contribute in the play when the opponent's defence is too tight. but Alvarez can do better Coz he knows how to move with the ball and play with the team.
vuaabckopt
0
Manchester City in the pass is purely high intensity. But This is the new Manchester City. (Lack intensity) because: 1) HALAAND doesn’t fit their style. 2) HALAAND is non existent without a good midfielder. 3) Grealish is holding onto the ball too long and getting fouled in area that’s non impactful. 4) Foden needs to start & bench Grealish.
mancity problem is tht kit. doesn't fit them .and looks horrible.....no such thing as a good player not fitting a teams style of play. a good player is always a good player and fits any system ....in any single game of football....there can not b .1 single system of play for entire game ... meaning there r times wen u go long ..there are times wen u knock it around..there are times wen u counter attack...there are times slow it down there are times wen you..speed it up ...there are times wen u try different formations throughout z 90 ... saying tht to say there are times wen halland makes z run .. several times in a game . ball never came not once .....thts mancity problem....if u have a good player ..u adjust ur came. .to meet them even halfway.....wen halland makes those runs ..put through z ball at least sometimes....z guy is a natural goal scorer ..
noyadlstz
1
What did they expect after letting best winger in Sterling to leave and instead keeping a lazy player like Grealish?dropping Foden to thr bench for Grealish is another woeful situation
Berrymorzz
0
Manchester City in the pass is purely high intensity. But This is the new Manchester City. (Lack intensity) because: 1) HALAAND doesn’t fit their style. 2) HALAAND is non existent without a good midfielder. 3) Grealish is holding onto the ball too long and getting fouled in area that’s non impactful. 4) Foden needs to start & bench Grealish.
for haaland i disagree..we don't pass the ball to him..haaland won't work with passback midfielders and onverted wingers..haaland is just good and thats why he has he's numbers
Berrymorzz
2
this season we don't have that age of finishing off games..i"d be surprised if city win a trophy
Bendiga
2
Manchester City in the pass is purely high intensity. But This is the new Manchester City. (Lack intensity) because: 1) HALAAND doesn’t fit their style. 2) HALAAND is non existent without a good midfielder. 3) Grealish is holding onto the ball too long and getting fouled in area that’s non impactful. 4) Foden needs to start & bench Grealish.