Guardiola explains ‘difficult’ decision against Southampton and says he feels sympathy for Man City star | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola admits he felt sympathy for James McAtee after making the “difficult” decision to bring the attacking midfielder off at half-time of Man City’s goalless draw with Southampton.

After a lack of playing time earlier on in the season, McAtee has managed to break into Guardiola’s team of late and started the clash at St Mary’s Stadium.

But after a first-half performance which saw City struggle to create many chances, Guardiola opted to bring on Jeremy Doku, with his side immediately looking more dangerous in a second half which saw them squander several big chances.

McAtee has been heavily linked with a move away from City, but the 22-year-old has now featured in 12 league games since the new year, having previously played just three times in the league this season before 1 January.

And the City boss says bringing off the 22-year-old given his recent improved form was not an easy thing to do.

He said: “Difficult for me? Yeah.

“Difficult for the players that didn’t play, that weren’t selected, that were on the bench.

“Always I’m thinking about the guys who didn’t play and are not there.

“But in that moment, we needed a winger in that position.”

City’s goalless draw comes as a potentially significant blow to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, sitting just two points ahead of Aston Villa in sixth with two games left to play.

On a positive note, the game against Southampton did see the return of striker Erling Haaland following his ankle injury though Guardiola admits his side must do a better job of providing him with service in their remaining games.

“Erling needs people to deliver balls to him,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if it comes from wingers or full-backs or attacking midfielders. Any guys with creativity can do the balls.”