Ex-Super Eagles defender backs Guardiola decision to not make any substitutions v Leipzig

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, or indeed any other coach has the right to make substitutions late into games or otherwise, opines former Premier League defender and Nigerian  international, Ifeanyi Udeze. 

The Spaniard has been widely criticized for his tactical decision in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig in the round of 16, first leg fixture between both sides. 

The onetime Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss did not make any substitutions throughout the duration of the game and that has irked City fans. 

Udeze in his analysis of the UEFA Champions League matches on Wednesday night insists that it is the prerogative of managers. 

"Supporters should realize that coaches are hired to make tactical decisions," Udeze said Thursday on Brila FM, Lagos.

"It's the coach that takes the credit or blame when things go wrong or right.

"Guardiola believes the players are playing to instructions. He takes the glory. He also takes the blames.

"I have played a game like that in 203 to win the Greek FA Cup so it was Pep's choice. It doesn't mean that he has disrespected the players who didn't play.

"Coaches have the fight to make use of the substitutes he wants or not. Those condemning Pep should not see football that way," the former West Brom left-back added.

Guardiola in his post match conference had stated that it was unrealistic for fans to expect his team to obliterate opponents in the Champions League with high score lines.

Izuchukwu Michael

Photo Credit : uefa.com 

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