Guardiola confident City will find consistency

MARSEILLE, France (Reuters) - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was confident his team would find the consistency they need after their 3-0 victory at Olympique de Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday.

City took control of Group C with six points from two games, leading Porto and Olympiakos by three points while OM are bottom of the table after two defeats.

Guardiola’s side got off to a slugglish start in the Premier League, sitting in 13th place with eight points from five games, five behind leaders Everton who have played one more match.

“We have to accept the criticism. We play every three days, when you win it’s good but if you don’t people want to destroy everything. But it’s about the chairman and everyone else understanding,” said Guardiola. “Part of the criticism was right, but you’ve got to accept it. It’s part of our job.

It’s about where we’ve come from in the last month, with lack of preparation, injuries and COVID-19 but the Champions League is in a good place now. “I’m sure we’re going to find that consistency.” While Marseille proved to be an easy target on Tuesday, City were lively throughout and they made their domination count and defended well when the hosts briefly threatened after the break.

“We played really well, we didn’t concede much and we were in control, patient and aggressive without the ball. I’m so satisfied with the performance and result, it’s always difficult to win away,” said Guardiola, who hinted City liked playing against teams fielding a five-man defence.

“We can play on both sides, we tried to play high and wide to stretch the pitch. Raheem Sterling was exceptional, Phil (Foden) as well,” he said.

“We didn’t expect them to play five at the back until we saw the team. Porto was the same. As much as we play against five at the back we started to take the control and rhythm. “We were so stable defensively. I’m so satisfied with the way we played.”