Pep Guardiola denies that he tried to bring Alessandro Bastoni to Manchester City and explains why Erling Haaland struggles against Inter: ‘One man? I saw six!’
Defending Serie A champions Inter held Manchester City to a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night on their 2024-25 Champions League debut.
“I have the utmost consideration for the team [Inter]. I admire what they do so much. They know how to defend with 11 players,” Guardiola said at a post-match press conference.
Guardiola makes Bastoni transfer admission, explains Haaland’s struggle against Inter
“They help each other, and the transition is quick. But when they play in Italy against other teams that sit deep, they do so well, running into the spaces, with the wingers, two strikers plus Mkhitaryan, Barella, Zielinski, and Frattesi.
“I like the way they play, and for this reason, I have great consideration for my team because we know the value of our opponents. When we are able to do what we did, I am happy.”
Guardiola was asked if it was true that he had tried to sign Italy international Bastoni at all costs, but he replied with two words: “Not true.”
After that, the Spanish tactician explained why Haaland struggled again against the Nerazzurri. A reporter asked if Francesco Acerbi’s man-marking is particularly tough for the Norway international, but Guardiola had a different view.
“One man? I saw six,” he replied.
“Three close to him and three in front of him. It’s difficult for everyone, for any player in the world playing in that position against Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni, Calhanoglu, Barella and Zielinski. We should have had more players running into the space. We did it twice with Gundogan and once with Phil Foden in front of the goalkeeper. Otherwise, transitions, but they are physically stronger than we are.
“The only way was to have more players close to Erling. We had four there,” continued Guardiola.
“I expected it. I don’t expect to have 25 chances against Inter or any Italian club. It’s impossible. Double credit to them for the way they defend. We had some clear chances, but unfortunately, we couldn’t score. Sommer is an exceptional keeper, and it’s fine anyway. We both have seven games remaining now. Let’s see what happens.”
Haaland had failed to impress during the 2023 Champions League Final against Inter, but the Premier League giants still emerged victorious thanks to a Rodri goal in the second half.