City fans critical of Pep's squad rotation

Manchester City 0 - 2 Bayer Leverkusen 

City fans have been responding to their Champions League defeat against Bayer Leverkusen.

Author | Macca

Stadium | Etihad Stadium

The City players approached the fixture buoyed by a strong start to their European campaign, having gone unbeaten and settled comfortably in fourth place. After last season’s heavy defeat to Real Madrid in the play-offs, this was supposed to be a chance to build steady momentum, particularly against a Bayer Leverkusen side that had managed only one win and were languishing in 21st. Yet Kasper Hjulmand’s team arrived with confidence from their free scoring Bundesliga form and were ready to show it on the continental stage.

Despite the warnings, Pep Guardiola opted for sweeping changes, replacing ten players from the team beaten by Newcastle in the Premier League. It was an approach that offered Leverkusen an unexpected advantage. The Champions League rarely rewards such disruption and City looked exactly like a side struggling for cohesion. For a manager marking his 100th game in the competition for the club, it was a surprising gamble that left City exposed.

European Super Football | Champions League | Guardiola’s selection gamble doesn't pay off eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/2025/11/guar...

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The players drafted in did little to ease concerns about the club’s depth. Opportunities to impress were squandered, with the likes of Rico Lewis, Savinho and Oscar Bobb unable to impose themselves. What unfolded was a display drained of spark and resistance, a stark contrast to the standards City usually set. Instead of reaffirming their strength across all competitions, the night highlighted potentially troubling shortcomings.

Best reaction from City fans to Guardiola's rotation

Kristian: Why? We were trying to recover from Newcastle and the Champions League is a big deal, not the EFL Cup. We were toothless, then desperate, then panicky. All possession and no punch. I really hope Pep Guardiola accepts the blame and apologises. It is arrogant and disrespectful to a good team who beat us comfortably.

Jon: Typical Guardiola to field a weaker starting XI instead of the strongest. He should get the game won before bringing on substitutes. He is just too cocky in his attitude. He keeps doing the same thing and always comes unstuck.

Rod: Guardiola made a big mistake by not selecting a strong line-up at home. With the new format of the Champions League, every home game is a must-win. Now we are in a bitter situation to qualify in the top eight. It will be difficult because away from home, we struggle to win.

Alvin: There was a real lack of energy, intensity and creativity from the City players. Tijjani Reijnders, Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and in particular Savinho showed no passion or fight. It was terrible to watch.

Pete: Pep's team was outclassed and he needs to realise his team are not as good as he thinks. It looks like another trophyless season. The good times at Etihad Stadium are over.

Tony: The great man got it horribly wrong. The team lacked leadership and direction. They went sideways more times than a crab.