Pep Guardiola had Manchester City fans scratching their heads with an unusual team selection for the game against third-placed Leicester. Guardiola reached his decision after talking to the players as they arrived back from international duty on Friday, as he explained.
Pep Guardiola said: “Yesterday, the players came back and I spoke with some of them – some of them were tired. Three games in ten days with a lot of travel – and we tried to put out as fresh legs as possible, except Nathan (Ake), which was a pity. The rest of the players were here in Manchester and the players that didn’t play the last game on international duty were ready to play. Our commitment was good in terms of the ball, more patient than we were in the first game at the Etihad Winning 1-0 we were nervous, and you have to be patient to attack Leicester because they defend so strong and deep and punish you with a counter. We were pleased, a good victory and another step.”