Following Manchester City’s crushing 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has openly criticized Pep Guardiola’s tactical decisions, suggesting that they are damaging the Premier League’s reputation in Europe.
The quarterfinal clash at the Santiago Bernabéu saw Kylian Mbappé steal the show with a stunning hat-trick, dismantling City’s defense and extinguishing their European hopes. With Erling Haaland sidelined due to injury, Guardiola’s side lacked a clinical presence up front, while defensive lapses from Rúben Dias and Nathan Aké further exposed their vulnerabilities.
Scholes pointed to Guardiola’s team selection and formation as major missteps, arguing that City’s defensive setup was ill-equipped to handle Real Madrid’s relentless attacking threat. He also emphasized how Haaland’s absence left City’s attack lacking cohesion and cutting edge, ultimately making it easier for Madrid to dominate.
This defeat not only sends City crashing out of the Champions League but also sparks fresh debate over Guardiola’s tactics in high-stakes European matches. Scholes stressed that if the reigning Premier League champions hope to compete at the highest level, they must rethink their approach in crucial knockout ties.
As City regroups from this disappointment, the pressure will be on Guardiola to adapt and refine his strategies, ensuring they can mount a stronger challenge for European glory in the future.
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