Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has conceded that his decision to make wholesale changes cost his side dearly in their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola, overseeing his 100th European fixture with City, rotated heavily after a weekend Premier League loss to Newcastle United, benching stars including Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva. Only midfielder Nico González retained his place from the previous lineup, with Rodri unavailable.

Guardiola admitted post-match that the 10 changes were “too much” and left the team underprepared for the intensity of the contest. “I have to accept it… maybe I was too nice to the players who didn’t play much,” he told TNT Sports.

Leverkusen capitalized on City’s disjointed play, with Alejandro Grimaldo striking in the 23rd minute and Patrik Schick doubling the lead early in the second half. Despite introducing Haaland, Foden, and Rayan Cherki at halftime, City failed to mount a comeback, with Haaland missing two late chances.

The defeat marked City’s first home loss in a Champions League group or league phase since 2018 and allowed unbeaten Leverkusen to close within two points in the standings.

Guardiola defended his intent, citing the need to manage a congested schedule ahead of matches against Fulham, Sunderland, and Real Madrid, but acknowledged the squad looked tense and cautious. Analysts, including TNT’s Joleon Lescott, expressed surprise at the scale of rotation, while Sky Sports commentators pointed to broader concerns about squad depth and reliance on Haaland.

Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand praised his side’s clinical execution, dismissing suggestions City had underestimated them.