Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has insisted he’s pleased following his side’s 2-2 draw with Brighton on Saturday, despite their failure to win the match.
Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush found the net at the Etihad Stadium, only for the visitors to earn a draw after Abdukodir Khusanov’s own goal came following an early strike from Pervis Estupinan.
City had entered the showdown hoping to bounce back after their 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
However, their hopes of securing Champions League football for next season suffered a blow after they yet again failed to come out on top.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has insisted he’s pleased following his side’s 2-2 draw with Brighton on Saturday, despite their failure to win the match
PA
Guardiola could be forgiven for feeling frustrated, with City continuing to look a shadow of the team that has dominated the Premier League in recent years.
However, speaking to the BBC, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss insisted he was pleased and upbeat.
“It was a good game. A tight game – I know how difficult it is to make the process which we’re in now,” he said.
“The players gave everything – we take the point and we keep going.
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“Of course, I have confidence and I always have. The young players played good. All the defenders were so clever.
“We were close, but unfortunately we couldn’t do it.”
While Guardiola opted to focus on the positives, Ilkay Gundogan took a different approach.
The veteran admitted he was ‘very disappointed’ by the result, with City now a point behind Chelsea in the race for the top four.
Man City duo Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush scored against Brighton – but it wasn’t enough for the defending champions to claim all three points
PA
“I feel personally very disappointed,” he said.
“After getting twice in front and actually playing quite well. It’s a bit frustrating to not get the three points.
“I think we were able to limit their possession. Second half, after conceding the second, it felt like we dropped in confidence and belief.
“We dropped a little bit and gave away easy chances. It’s important to stay calm. Of course, mistakes happen even at this level.
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“The opposition are so good. Every game is tough. Then when you concede sometimes you try not to do overdo things.
“We need to expect the best from everyone every single day. I thought we had a good week of training.
“We want to transmit that power and energy into the game. Sometimes it isn’t enough.”
City will now aim to regroup following today’s setback.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola saw his side lose more ground in the race for Champions League football following their 2-2 draw with Brighton
PA
Guardiola’s men are next in action against Bournemouth in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on March 30.
As for Brighton, the Seagulls are set to lock horns with Nottingham Forest in the same competition on March 29.