Winning in Stoppage Time Shows City’s Character, Says Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City’s dramatic stoppage-time victory over Leeds United was “the best way to win”, even though he was far from satisfied with his team’s overall performance. Phil Foden struck in the first minute of added time to secure a crucial 3-2 win after City had allowed a 2-0 lead to slip away.
Guardiola Reflects on City’s Turbulent Victory
Manchester City appeared to be cruising after establishing a comfortable 2-0 advantage, but Leeds mounted a spirited comeback, levelling the scoreline before Foden delivered the decisive moment. Speaking after the match, Guardiola praised the resilience his players showed in such a chaotic contest.
“It was a relief to score in the last minutes and the other feeling is big character,” the City boss said. “The game was not perfect in the first half, but it was comfortable — it should’ve been over with the chances we had.”
The Manchester City manager went on to explain how tactical changes from Leeds affected the flow of the match. Daniel Farke switched to a 5-3-2 setup, similar to Leverkusen’s approach earlier in the week, and it immediately caught City off guard.
“We concede the goal in the first minute [of the second half]. The shape takes influence in the way we played. Then emotions take over — we concede the second, but after that we reacted really well,” Guardiola added.
He went on to praise match-winner Phil Foden, describing him as “special” and highlighting his ability to turn difficult moments into decisive ones. Despite the chaos, Guardiola insisted the ending was beneficial for his side: “It helps a lot to win that way. It reminds us how difficult it can be.”
Guardiola Addresses Heated Moment With Haaland
After the final whistle, cameras caught Guardiola in a seemingly tense exchange with Erling Haaland. The Catalan coach, however, dismissed any suggestion of a fallout.
“I was happy,” he said. “He had to try and find a way to get involved. Erling sometimes needs a rest because he plays and plays and plays. With Phil, or Jeremy, or Bernardo, they play 60 minutes and their body stops.”
The comments underscored Guardiola’s concerns about fatigue among his attacking players, especially with a packed schedule and City coming off back-to-back defeats.
Additional Context
The win over Leeds comes at a crucial moment for Manchester City as they attempt to regain momentum following two consecutive losses. Pressure has been mounting both inside and outside the squad, and Guardiola has emphasised the importance of grinding out wins — even in chaotic fashion. The performance also highlighted ongoing concerns about squad rotation, reliance on key attacking players, and defensive lapses that continue to invite unnecessary pressure.
FAQ
Why did Pep Guardiola say winning in stoppage time was “the best way”?
He believes it builds character, especially after two recent defeats. The emotional lift of a late winner reinforces resilience.
Was Guardiola unhappy with the performance?
Yes. He felt the game should have been finished by half-time and admitted City lost control once Leeds adjusted their tactics.
What happened between Guardiola and Erling Haaland after the match?
They had a brief heated exchange, but Guardiola clarified there was no problem—he simply wants Haaland more involved during difficult spells.
Why did Leeds cause City so many problems?
Their switch to a 5-3-2 formation disrupted City’s rhythm and allowed Leeds to attack spaces more effectively.
How important was Phil Foden’s performance?
Foden was decisive again, scoring the late winner. Guardiola called him “special” for his ability to step up in big moments.
Conclusion
Manchester City’s hard-fought win over Leeds served as both a warning and a morale boost. While their defensive instability and inconsistency remain concerns, the last-minute victory reaffirmed the team’s fighting spirit. With fixtures piling up and pressure intensifying, Guardiola will hope the dramatic finish marks a turning point as City look to regain their usual dominance.
