Guardiola: In prehistoric times and today, it's very difficult to attack a 5-5

Manchester City coach bemoaned Atletico Madrid's defensive tactics in Champions League clash

Posted Wednesday, April 06, 2022 by Marca.com

Guardiola during the match against Atletico.

Despite having recorded a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening, Pep Guardiola cut a frustrated figure in the immediate aftermath of the encounter, suggesting that it is very difficult to attack against a 5-5-0 formation, both in the present day and in prehistoric times.

Whilst the Spanish coach always has the potential to drop some hyperbole in his press conferences, he appeared especially unhappy with the defensive shape used by Atleti at the Etihad Stadium.

"We sensed they would play 3-5-2, then they adjusted and went to a 5-5-0, something that in prehistoric times and today is very difficult to attack," Guardiola explained in his post-match press conference.

"There is no space, they are strong, whilst we are small and light. It's a question of patience, I told them at half-time that we were doing well, and the game broke down in the second-half, but I already sense that it's going to be a similar game in Madrid."

Guardiola, whilst frustrated by the defensive tactics on show, was complimentary towards the effort of Atletico Madrid's defensive players, labelling them masters of the art.

"It was a hard-fought match, a very difficult one," Guardiola continued.

"They are masters at defending all together and it's difficult. We managed to stop them running, we didn't create chances but we were patient and got the goal from a Foden connection with Kevin."

Phil Foden changed the match

It was a surprise to most in attendance at the Etihad Stadium when team news filtered through and both Phil Foden and Jack Grealish had been left on the bench, yet the former would go on to have a major impact on the outcome of the match.

"Foden had some very good moments," Guardiola added.

"We know he has this quality. Jack [Grealish] is special in giving continuity to the game, it was a very even match and a question of patience."

Styles will clash once more

Guardiola refused to answer whether or not he felt his style of football had won out against Simeone's more defensive brand, merely confirming that there is a second-leg to come and that neither team is yet through to the semi-final.

"No... I don't know, I don't know," Guardiola confirmed.

"We've won one game, there's the second leg and we'll see. We'll learn from today's game and try to be a little better."