Guardiola: No one helps Man City, unlike with other big clubs

Pep Guardiola said he gets greater satisfaction from his success with Manchester City because “nobody helps” them, unlike with other major clubs. 

City went top of Champions League Group A on Wednesday following a 4-1 win over Club Brugge at the Etihad Stadium, though they endured a difficult first half after John Stones’ own goal cancelled out Phil Foden’s 15th-minute opener. 

The Premier League champions were much improved after the break and claimed an important victory through second-half goals from Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus. 

It was enough to send City top as Paris Saint-Germain were held to a 2-2 draw at RB Leipzig following Dominik Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time penalty. 

When it was suggested Leipzig had done City a favour, Guardiola replied to BT Sport: “We help each other. What we’ve done these years… I promise you, when you’re at Manchester City, you realise nobody helps you. No one. 

“Everything we have done, we’ve done it. When you’re in high ranking and big clubs, I understand maybe. Here, no. When we win, we do it.” 

He continued, with a smile: “All the titles I won before were because I was at big clubs. 

“Absolutely, the pleasure is higher [in winning things with City]. The fight to win the hierarchy in the Premier League is good.” 

FULL TIME | A good night’s work!

4-1 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/RAXEgQiF5I

— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 3, 2021

Foden’s goal was his seventh in the Champions League – Wayne Rooney (nine) is the only English player to have scored more aged 21 or younger – but City did not register another shot on target until the second half. 

The England international said Guardiola’s advice at half-time was crucial in helping them record a ninth consecutive Champions League home win. Manchester United are the only Premier League club to have enjoyed a longer such streak in the competition, having been victorious in 12 straight at Old Trafford from September 2006 until April 2008. 

The victory was a much-needed tonic after a disappointing week that saw an EFL Cup exit at the hands of West Ham followed by a surprise 2-0 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace. 

“I thought we were sloppy in the first half and let them get back into the game. We got in at half-time and spoke about what was going wrong,” said Foden. 

“We changed it in the second half and played better. The manager wasn’t happy [at half-time]. You have to take his advice. We changed a couple of things and were better in possession and hurt them a lot more. 

“Once we get the rhythm, we play our lovely football. I’m delighted with the second half.”