Pep Guardiola: The Manchester City manager has a different opinion than Ruben Dias regarding the ‘frustrating’ time-wasting strategies employed by Southampton during their scoreless match.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola found himself at odds with defender Ruben Dias following the club’s frustrating 0-0 draw against Southampton on Saturday. Dias had expressed his discontent with the visitors’ time-wasting tactics, a sentiment that Guardiola did not share.

The match marked the return of striker Erling Haaland, who had been sidelined for six weeks due to injury. However, despite dominating the game with 26 shots—five of which were on target—and enjoying a staggering 72% possession, City could not find the back of the net. Southampton, already relegated and struggling throughout the season, managed just two shots, neither of which troubled City’s goal.

In the aftermath of the match, Dias did not hold back in his criticism of Southampton’s approach. Speaking to the BBC, he said, “It’s frustrating, obviously, in a moment like this every point matters. And it is obviously frustrating to play against a team like this. They don’t even try anything, they just sit, and they don’t even want to win the game. They just want to be there. It is no good for the show and no good for themselves. It is no good for anyone, but it is what it is.”

He further elaborated, “I saw a completely different team the last time we played. I don’t know how many times players went on the floor to try and waste time. It kills the rhythm of the game. We always have to do better, but it is not easy to get into a team that behaves this way. We must be better and be more dynamic and quicker.”

In contrast, Guardiola took a more diplomatic stance regarding Southampton’s tactics. When asked if he was unhappy with their approach, he firmly replied, “No, no, no. Absolutely not. They can do whatever they want. For many years here, we faced teams in different approaches, and they decided they have to play. It’s on us to break them.”

Guardiola acknowledged the challenges posed by teams that adopt a defensive strategy, stating, “In those terms, many times teams have played five in the back or six, and the striker has gone on our holding midfielder and there’s no space, it’s difficult. You have to break it, and we had the chances. When you review the chances for nothing, we could not score and it happened.”

Looking ahead, Guardiola shifted focus to the upcoming FA Cup final and the next league match against Fulham. He noted, “We did not concede one shot on target, and they didn’t do much, but we have to accept the way they play. It belongs to Simon (Rusk) and his assistant coaches. I don’t agree with Ruben; we have to accept it.”