Manchester city lose to their pre-eminent rival, Liverpool in the FA cup semi finals. Pep didn't expect to lose the game, Although it was quite obvious to me that they will have difficulties winning the game. This is because he failed to start the matc
h with his keys players. I was just upset when I saw the players he used for the game. When it came to Klopp's side, he started the game with his first eleven players. The reds netted twice in the first 20mins of the game. And that boosted their morale. However, City tried their best to equalize the score in the second half, but they couldn't. However, Liverpool have found their way to the FA Cup final, and are waiting patiently to face who ever wins between Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
Manchester City's lineup against Liverpool shows that they are not planning to reach the finals of the FA cup this year. Maybe Pep is eying the League cup and Championship league. Keeping his first eleven players against Real Madrid is purposeful.
Manchester City was too slow, had no sense of agency and no changes were made. Even Jesus's change was forced
Guardiola made seven changes to the side that had drawn 0-0 with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. I believe it was because they had a lot of fixtures and travels and a lot of important games and that’s why the coach picked that squad to play Liverpool. Maybe he was expecting Klopp to do the same but considering the fixtures, importance games ahead and injuries on key players, the team selection was totally fine to be honest.
It is just that the few first team regular players like John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Cancelo and Raheem Sterling added no impact in the 1st half. They were so poor leading to everything that happened. Manchester City tried to find an equalizer but it was just not meant to be. Liverpool held onto their lead and advanced to the FA Cup final for the first time since 2012.