“We won’t change” – Manchester City star defiant but admits Guardiola tactic has downside

Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma has attracted some criticism over the past few days.

The goalkeeper has now clarified that the Citizens won’t change their style despite the loss to Real Madrid.

The Italian was at fault at least twice against Los Blancos in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. He made an error in judgement for the first goal and also gave away a penalty in the second half. After, the stopper said the referee had been “acting like a big shot”.

Manchester City saw Bernardo Silva sent off in the second leg on Tuesday. This effectively ended all their hopes of an improbable comeback, as Real Madrid ran out 2-1 winners at the Etihad too.

Donnarumma has spoken to Sky Italia about the defeat and was asked about Pep Guardiola’s approach in the two games. He pointed out a flaw but remains keen on sticking to the plan. 

Goalkeeper happy with Pep’s style

The Italian clarified that despite obvious issues, maintaining a high defensive line sets Manchester City apart and has helped them many times over the years.

He said – relayed by Tuttomercatoweb: “We play with a slightly high defence. It’s our way of playing, sometimes it gives you advantages and other times disadvantages. If you don’t do well, you end up one-on-one. Even if l’m in line with the defence, if the ball is perfect, it’s hard to get to it. 

Highlighting his thoughts, the goalkeeper said: “Unfortunately, that’s been the case in these two games, but we won’t change. It has brought City so many advantages over the years. After losing 3-0 in Madrid, everything becomes more difficult.”

Gianluigi Donnarumma admitted the tie was effectively wrapped up in the first leg. He also emphasised the need to focus on the next few games.

“We played a great game and had plenty of chances. With 11 men, it would have been a completely different match. They were better, they scored more goals than us. I think qualification was decided in the first leg, after that it’s all uphill.

“We have to accept it. There are important games to play, the disappointment is huge. But from tomorrow, we’ll have to get back on our feet because on Sunday we already have a title to bring home.”

Donnarumma’s weaknesses came to the fore

It is fair to say that the last week has been the most disappointing in the 26-year-old’s time at Manchester City so far. He’s been reliable in the Premier League, having made several key saves across the campaign.

But Real Madrid are known to exploit the flaws of their opposition during big European games. They did just that in the first-leg, as Donnarumma’s difficulty at operating in a high-line came to the fore.

That was also a problem at Paris Saint-Germain, where he made major errors specifically in Ligue 1. 

Guardiola has somewhat adapted to the Italian’s style but his larger ideas around the game have remained the same. Gianluigi Donnarumma has always been iffy when it comes to sweeping as a goalkeeper and this weakness can shine through at times.

This can be something that good teams can exploit, going forward.