Source: TheGuardian
Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City can learn and refocus after humbling
• Norwich’s entire squad cost less than a City substitute• Guardiola: ‘These boys gave me the prestige I have in England’It did seem odd that, in the aftermath of Manchester City’s defeat to Norwich, there was talk of the champions needing to strengthen. By some accounts, Norwich’s entire squad cost less than a single City substitute, but yet – after the 3-2 reverse – it was the visitors who were felt to have a glaring absence in their team.The name being uttered with a sigh was that of Aymeric Laporte. The “most solid and incredible defender that we had in the previous season”, in Pep Guardiola’s words, was missing from the City team with a knee injury and will continue to be missing until the new year. In his absence, the feeling went, City fell to pieces at the back. Coming under particular scrutiny was the partnership of John Stones and Nicolás Otamendi in central defence. With both players making prominent errors would Guardiola really persist with them, with so much at stake and Liverpool already five points clear in the Premier League? Related: Tammy Abraham revels up front but Chelsea need to tighten up at the back Related: Bournemouth 3-1 Everton: Premier League – live! Continue reading......read full article
