Guardiola explains tactical change that helped beat Porto; reveals cruel injury blow

Pep Guardiola Man City TEAMtalk

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City have made a “good start” in the Champions League after beating Porto 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

City fell behind early in the first half but fought back to claim the three points in their opening group stage fixture.

Sergio Aguero scored from the penalty spot to level the scores, before Ilkay Gundogan and Ferran Torres secured the win.

And Guardiola says some tactical changes made shortly before the break gave his side the control they needed in order to come out on top.

Speaking after the game (via BBC Sport) he said: “This is a good start for us and the next step we go to France to get the second one.

“At set pieces they were strong. By the second half we didn’t concede anything set pieces or counter attacks so we controlled the game.

“Teams that set up with lots back you have to wait for your moment. We adjusted a little something at the end of the first half. We spoke about being patient, we had to be patient and at the right moment attack them, so we let them run.”

Pep confirms injury lay-off for Fernandinho

The victory has been soured for City by the news that midfielder Fernandinho will be out for upto six weeks with a reoccurrence of a leg injury.

Fernandinho Guardiola Man City TEAMtalk

The Brazilian came on as an 85th minute substitute but hobbled off again in added time.

When asked for an update on the 35-year-old, Guardiola revealed: “It’s bad news, it’s in the place he was injured before. It’s in his leg, I think he will be out for four to six weeks. It is a big blow for us because we need people there.”

City already have Kevin de Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, Nathan Ake, Benjamin Mendy and Aymeric Laporte on the sidelines.