Guardiola
The Man City manager praised the ‘huge character’ shown by his players in the battling victory over Burnley.
City came from behind to beat the Clarets 2-1 at Turf Moor on Saturday lunchtime , with Sergio Aguero scoring both the visitors’ goals.
It capped a good week for the club, which included a win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and a draw with Borussia Monchengladbach in midweek which secured qualification for the Champions League knockout stage.
And Guardiola was pleased to see his side come through another tough test at Burnley, which kept his side unbeaten in seven games away from home this season.
“It’s good news,” the Spaniard said. “Away – except at White Hart Lane – we have won. They were all quite similar-complicated and difficult. You want to control that and it’s almost impossible.
“It’s also difficult to defend against long balls. Burnley are taller than us and second balls are good. They are so dangerous.
All Premier League teams do well in this area and we have to improve a little bit the way we deal with those kind of actions – in Spain and Germany, it doesn’t happen.
“You cannot press because there are long balls and they are taller than us. They put the ball in the channels, looking for corners and free-kicks. I have to learn what we have to do.
“Some faults are our own fault. I also need time to understand the referees. We are so satisfied for the points and the performance, especially three days after the Champions League.
“All of the players showed huge character and a lot of personality – and after going 1-0 down at a stadium where only
Chelsea are better at home. We are so happy. We have a long week to rest a little and prepare for Chelsea.”
Aguero’s goals were his ninth and tenth of the season and his 32nd and 33rd in his last 34 Premier League appearances.
They are unlikely to be remembered as among his best – the first a tap-in and the second coming off his shin.
Guardiola said: “They were beautiful goals!
“He is talented. He played very well and moved well.
“From the beginning, he was ready. His body language was really good. Of course, he has the quality to score amazing goals but we need him in the box. He played a really good game.
“It has been a huge week for us. We qualified in the Champions League, and we won at Crystal Palace and Burnley so that’s why we’re happy. I am still learning but I am in the process.”
