Pep Guardiola has mentioned he didn’t anticipate Manchester Metropolis successful their opening match of the 2024-25 Premier League season due to the shortage of coaching classes held between his full squad.
Common starters together with Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden started on the bench at Stamford Bridge after returning to coaching six days in the past, Guardiola deciding to prioritise their recoveries after taking part in worldwide soccer this summer season.
The ultra-reliable Rodri was additionally not concerned as he continues his comeback from an harm sustained whereas taking part in for Spain within the Uefa Euro 2024 ultimate, however Metropolis nonetheless claimed a cushty 2-0 win via Erling Haaland’s 18th-minute opener and Mateo Kovacic’s strike six minutes from time.
FULL-TIME | A gap day win at Stamford Bridge! 💪
🔵 0-2 🩵 #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/wxtEoniXkb
— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) August 18, 2024
Man Metropolis vs Chelsea: Guardiola ‘honour’
“It’s our ninth season collectively so we all know one another effectively,” Guardiola instructed Sky Sports activities. “In fact there are errors it’s a must to enhance, however we talked.
“The distinction in being champions was our physique language, how did we behave? It’s the unhealthy moments within the season and within the video games that outline the massive groups.
“For me, it’s an honour to be answerable for these guys. I’m so lucky, I couldn’t say extra. I didn’t anticipate [to win]. We’re away from our greatest, so three factors is the excellent news. The unhealthy information is we’ve 65 video games forward of us.”
Nicolas Jackson had an equaliser dominated out for Chelsea, who spent £185 million on summer season signings beneath Guardiola’s former assistant at Metropolis, Enzo Maresca.
The Italian joined the Blues from promoted Leicester Metropolis in June and can have discovered little to be drastically inspired by, his gamers producing two photographs on course and falling 2-0 behind when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez may have stopped Kovacic’s shot.
Beautiful from Mateo Kovačić! 😍
The Man Metropolis man punishes his former membership! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/Wxfx8aW0Tt
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 18, 2024
Chelsea vs Man Metropolis: ‘Huge step’
“There’s a plan: defensive, offensive,” mentioned Guardiola. “After that, it’s how we have fun the nice moments and are available again from the unhealthy moments.
“That’s what defines these groups and no-one talks about it. For some time we may by no means win at Stamford Bridge. It is a massive step.”
A 4-4 draw final season is the one event within the final 4 when Metropolis have didn’t win at Chelsea. They’re unbeaten total within the fixture in 10 matches, successful eight of these video games.
The Cityzens shall be heavy favourites to make it six factors from six once they host newly-promoted Ipswich City on Saturday (3pm).
