Pep Guardiola has stated he didn’t anticipate Manchester Metropolis profitable their opening match of the 2024-25 Premier League season due to the dearth of coaching periods 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 time.
The ultra-reliable Rodri was additionally not concerned as he continues his comeback from an damage sustained whereas taking part in for Spain within the Uefa Euro 2024 closing, however Metropolis nonetheless claimed a cushty 2-0 win by way of 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 nicely,” 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 dangerous 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 dangerous 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 time signings beneath Guardiola’s former assistant at Metropolis, Enzo Maresca.
The Italian joined the Blues from promoted Leicester Metropolis in June and could have discovered little to be drastically inspired by, his gamers producing two photographs on course and falling 2-0 behind when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez might have stopped Kovacic’s shot.
Gorgeous 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: ‘Massive step’
“There’s a plan: defensive, offensive,” stated Guardiola. “After that, it’s how we have fun the nice moments and are available again from the dangerous moments.
“That’s what defines these groups and no-one talks about it. For some time we might by no means win at Stamford Bridge. This can be a massive step.”
A 4-4 draw final season is the one event within the final 4 when Metropolis have did not win at Chelsea. They’re unbeaten total within the fixture in 10 matches, profitable 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).
