Pep Guardiola jokes he ‘overthinks’ tactics in European games

'That’s why I love to overthink and create stupid tactics'

Pep Guardiola laughed off suggestions that he overthinks in European matches by joking Manchester City will line-up with 12 players against Atletico Madrid. City welcome Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid side to the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the Premier League outfit in search of a first Champions League title after losing last season’s final against Chelsea. Guardiola controversially opted to play without a holding midfielder for the clash against the Blues in Porto, and was also criticised for choosing to play with a back three in the quarter-final defeat to Lyon in 2020.

Guardiola responds to 'overthinking' claims

However, the Spaniard has now addressed his critics ahead of meeting Simeone on Tuesday night and joked that the Sky Blues would line-up with more players. https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1510952548672446473 "In the Champions League, always I overthink. I overthink a lot. Absolutely," Guardiola said. "That’s why I’ve had good results. I love to overthink and create stupid tactics. Tonight I take inspiration and there will be incredible tactics tomorrow. We’ll play with 12."

'There's a misconception about Atletico' - Guardiola

Guardiola also dismissed the notion that Atletico will play for a draw in the first-leg, admitting that there is a 'misconception' about the reigning LaLiga champions. He added: "Watching Atletico, there is a misconception about the way he [Simeone] played. "He is more offensive than the people believe. They don’t want to take risks but when the ball is in our half… they know exactly the way they have to play in specific moments.

"I’m not going to talk one second about stupid debates. Everyone tries to win. If they win he will be right. If we win, I will be right.

https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1510948612410429446

"Don’t give any space. Don’t give an inch. As a team they want to avoid risk in central areas. They are incredibly aggressive. When they win the ball they play.

"They are the champions of the Spanish league. The Spanish league. Over the last 20 years, this league is the champion [in Europe]."

City are still competing on three fronts this season and are set for a crucial few weeks - with two ties against Liverpool to come in the next 12 days.

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