PEP GUARDIOLA was blasted as a “fraud” by furious Manchester City fans as they crashed out of the Champions League.
City supporters raged at Guardiola‘s team selection as they blew the chance to make the semi-finals in Europe once again.
Pep Guardiola’s team selection was blamed for Manchester City’s Champions League exit[/caption]
A late Moussa Dembele double saw French side Lyon defeat City 3-1 in Portugal.
The Spanish manager controversially left out winger Riyad Mahrez and played three at the back for the one-legged quarter-final tie.
English youngster Phil Foden was another noticeable absentee from the line-up despite his superb form at the back end of the Premier League season.
Outgoing veteran David Silva – who has been linked with a move to Lazio but may have cold feet – and Portuguese wideman Bernardo Silva were another two stars that sat on the bench.
Fans fumed at the seemingly inexplicable selection calls online.
One said: “Pep Guardiola should take full responsibility for this!”
Another added: “Pep Guardiola is a fraud.
“I’m sorry it took me so long to realise that.”
Despite Eric Garcia refusing a new deal at the Etihad, the Spanish defender still made the XI.
And it wasn’t just fans who were bemused by Guardiola’s antics as TV pundit Rio Ferdinand took issue with the decisions made.
He said on BT Sport: “Garcia said he was not committing to the club and, listen, how many times have we seen it where you’ve got both the Silvas, Mahrez, Foden off the pitch?
“They’re creative energy, creative spark that they bring to this team, the imagination.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
