Man City boss Guardiola appears to question whether his players lack confidence

Pep Guardiola claimed he retains more faith in Manchester City’s players than they do of themselves.

The City boss came under fire in midweek after making 10 changes for the Champions League defeat by Bayer Leverkusen, insisting that his decisions were to blame.

But Guardiola suggested at confidence issues among those who failed to grasp their chance, accusing them of playing too safe and effectively hiding.

‘I had a lot of confidence in them and I still do,’ Guardiola said. ‘I put huge value as to what they are as football players.

‘Maybe I think higher of them than they think about themselves. It was a good lesson for me, as experienced as I am as a manager it was a good lesson for me for the future.

‘I'm pretty sure that they, surrounded by other players, will play good. I think they played not to make mistakes, not to play to do something.

‘In football, you have to play defensive and offensive and you have to try. They played to be safe, to not make mistakes and that's why it's so difficult.’

City are seven points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal before Saturday’s home match against Leeds United, for which Rodri still will not be available.

The Spaniard has featured for just one minute since the start of October amid a hamstring injury.

City can ill-afford to slip up this weekend after losing at Newcastle United and Guardiola added: ‘We know the competitions are tough. It is not about one result, it is in the performance.

‘Of course, results help performances but I'm not very disappointed about Newcastle. Leverkusen yes, because of my decisions and because we didn't try, it's as simple as that.

‘I know the difference is already there and Arsenal are so strong. You start to see how you are getting better as a team and we will see.’