Guardiola insists 'my numbers are not bad' after Man City end 12 months without a Champions League away win
Pep Guardiola insisted his 'numbers are not bad' in the Champions League after ending 12 months without an away win in the competition with a 2-0 victory against Villarreal on Tuesday.
Erling Haaland scored for the 12th consecutive match – his 24th for club and country this season – before Bernardo Silva doubled the lead shortly before half-time.
City finished the rest of the game quite comfortably at the Estadio de la Ceramica, with Guardiola's side having gone nine matches unbeaten in all competitions this season.
The result puts the Premier League side in fifth place in Europe's elite club competition table and the performance pleased the City boss.
“It was really good, although I was a little disappointed [the 2-2 draw against] Monaco. Today, playing against a team in the Spanish championship is very difficult, I know that from experience.
“And Villarreal in the last, I don't know, the last 23 times, they've been in Europe 17 or 18 times. That shows how good they are and how many good things they're doing. The manager, Marcelino, is a very high-level manager.”
Asked about City's recent dismal away record in Europe, Guardiola responded kindly, admitting that last season was disappointing but overall his team's record was solid.
He said: “Last season was not good, but I think our numbers in the Champions League last year are not bad. Personally, my numbers in the Champions League are not bad. But last season was a difficult season for us.
“But the atmosphere and the way the team behaves and plays, it makes me feel good.”
Although Haaland once again grabbed the headlines, the City manager also praised England youngster Rico Lewis, who provided the assist on the Norwegian's goal.
“I'm pretty sure that 90% of people, when they see Rico [Lewis] queuing, we said 'what's the reason?'” Guardiola added.
“I love this player. I love these type of players. Defensively and offensively, he is more than intelligent.
“I’m really happy for him in this match.”
Next up for City is a trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
2025-10-21 22:19:00
