Guardiola: “I don't think we played badly, but in this business you have to win”

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola made a positive assessment of the Community Shield final despite losing to Leicester (1-0) in the last minute of the game, in addition to highlighting that they did not play badly at “this height of the season”.

Without many of their starting players and with Jack Grealish just landed, City fell to Leicester in the 89th minute with a penalty from Iheanacho. Guardiola downplayed the defeat. “I would have loved to win the game”said Guardiola, who has lifted the Community Shield twice.

“Congratulations to Leicester for the victory, but the performance was really good. At this stage of the season, and playing with the youngsters, it was excellent. With a little luck and with better decisions in the last third we could have scored. But with all the players out, the players who have trained together the last two weeks have been exceptional “, Guardiola analyzed.

“We were so good … This is the first step to try again and compete this season.”added the Catalan coach, who hopes to have all his players for the league debut against Tottenham next weekend.

“Last season passed, we were late. Seven or eight players are back this Sunday. So I suppose that at the beginning of the season we will try to get results without giving our best. We know that we will not be at our best, but the players will be better next Sunday. That is the process we have to do “, He said.

“I saw a lot of good things today. I don't think we played badly and I told the guys how proud I am. But in this business you have to win.”, stated Guardiola, who also He had words for the debutant Grealish, whose transfer was made official the day before for 117 million euros, the most expensive in the history of English football. “It was really good,” Guardiola said. “Aggressive, going against the wings, every time he had the ball he had three players around him. Step by step he will find the best”, ended.

Brendan rodgers

For his part, the Leicester coach, Brendan Rodgers, was “very happy” with the title won to start the season. “Both teams were here on their own merits and we wanted to win. We know that it is the end of the preseason and the players are still looking to be in shape, but in recent years it has become an outstanding trophy and that is the mentality that we want to bring to the team and club“, he pointed.

“The guys showed great spirit, great quality and finally got the winning goal. We had a great feeling coming here and we didn't miss the chance.”, said the 'Foxes' coach, who this Saturday achieved the second 'Community Shield' in their history after 1971.