Guardiola- ‘We must improve for Champions League final’ as City lose at Brighton
lkay Gundogan scored a second-minute opener, but City were a man down after nine minutes, when Joao Cancelo was judged to have brought down Danny Welbeck,
“Eleven against 11 against Brighton is tough, 11 against 10 is difficult so we have to improve for the final,” said Guardiola.
Premier League champions City, who face Chelsea in the Champions League final on 29 May, blew a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 against Brighton.
Ilkay Gundogan scored a second-minute opener, but City were a man down after nine minutes, when Joao Cancelo was judged to have brought down Danny Welbeck, who was goal side of the defender.
Phil Foden’s superb solo effort put the visitors 2-0 up – but Leandro Trossard gave Brighton hope with a cool close-range finish
Adam Webster levelled, rising highest in the box to head home Pascal Gross’s delivery and then, with 14 minutes left, Dan Burn sent the fans into raptures with the winner, following up his own blocked shot to steer the rebound into the corner of the net.
“Eleven against 11 against Brighton is tough, 11 against 10 is difficult so we have to improve for the final,” said Guardiola.
“Unfortunately, after 0-2, we conceded a goal so quick and after they push a lot, we were more tired and could not keep the ball as much as possible – we could not do it and unfortunately we lost the game.
“On Sunday, with our people, we are going to lift the [Premier League] trophy. And after we are going to go for the final of the Champions League.
“I am concerned because this is the final of the Champions League, because the opponent is so tough.”
City also lost Gundogan to injury in the second half, but Guardiola provided positive news about the midfielder after the game.
“We are going to check tomorrow,” said the manager of the German, who had earlier scored his 17th goal of the season.
“The doctor is quite optimistic. The problem is a kick and he was running in the second half with disruption and I didn’t want to take a risk.”
Manchester City’s possession figure in this match was just 37% – the lowest recorded by a side managed by Pep Guardiola in a single top-flight match.
There is in fact, no doubt that City have to up their game to beat in-form Chelsea in the European final.