PEP GUARDIOLA has explained why he angrily blasted both Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish during Manchester City’s win over Leipzig.
The Cityzens began their Champions League campaign with a 6-3 home win over the German side at the Etihad last night.
However, City’s boss was seen yelling at Mahrez just inches from his face despite his side being 4-2 up and the Algerian having scored a penalty.
Guardiola looked absolutely fuming – even by his own animated standards.
Mahrez appeared to feebly argue back on a couple of occasions but Pep was having none of it.
His wild-eyed gesticulations continued with a few F-words appearing to be thrown in before Mahrez eventually got on with the game.
Grealish, playing in the first European game of his career, also got on the scoresheet in the thriller.
But the manager was less than pleased with both men at half-time and could be seen barking orders in each of their faces.
And afterwards Guardiola admitted he was not pleased with their defensive efforts, telling BT Sport: “We spoke in half-time about the way we have to do it and they didn’t do it. Fights happen.
“They are so good, they make four players in the build up to attract you behind the holding midfielders where there aren’t a lot of players, where the ball goes outside and they are so fast when they attack in behind.
“It’s not easy to control it but when you regain that ball there are many players in front of the ball and in the transition to make one or two passes in behind you have a chance to attack.”
Discussing his first outing the Champions League, England star Grealish said: “I loved it.
“I’ve been waiting a while. The past few weeks, I couldn’t wait for this game, it’s been a great night.
“For my goal, the ball came to me and when I’m in that position, running into the area, I’d back myself one on one against anyone to have a go and it paid off.”
