Pep Guardiola has differed with Ruben Dias, insisting Southampton have the right to choose their own style of play as they accept the consequences after being held to a 0-0 draw by their bottom side. Dias was
frustrated after the game and criticised his opponents for staying defensive and wasting time throughout the match, saying it was not good for the game.
However, Guardiola, when asked about his players’ comments, had a different opinion: “I do not agree with Ruben. We have to accept the way our opponents do. “
Southampton can do whatever they want. Over the years we have faced opponents with different styles and it is our job to break down the defence. “
Many times we have faced teams with five or six defenders and our forwards pressing the holding midfielders, leaving us with no space to play. It is difficult, but we have to find a way. “
Today Southampton were more defensive than I thought. สมัคร UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีสำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ They play to defend and waste time. After the first 15-20 minutes I knew we needed a forward to break down. “
We did not have the rhythm. We lacked second balls and set-pieces. In the second half we were better and in the last 30 minutes we had chances but couldn’t finish. “
The draw is a missed opportunity, we know that, but we accept the point anyway, it is very important because we are still in control of our own destiny.”
Saints head coach Simon Rusk was also asked about the criticism from Dias and said: “It’s a false compliment. “
We want to frustrate City, if we play against them we will lose, we have a fifth of their budget, we have to find a way and that’s OK.