Owen Hargreaves says Man City ‘lacked a bit of intensity’ against RB Leipzig 

Owen Hargreaves believes Pep Guardiola would have wanted his Manchester City players to ‘finish the job’ in their first-leg Champions League tie against RB Leipzig as the Premier League champions were held for a second successive game in all competitions.

City’s frustrations that were highlighted in their recent English top-flight draw away to Nottingham Forest saw their away-from-home woes continue in Wednesday’s trip to Germany.

Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring with a powerful effort in the 27th minute as City exerted their dominance over their Bundesliga opposition. But were hauled back into proceedings courtesy of a late goal by in-demand Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.

Former City star Hargreaves credited Leipzig for their efforts in getting back into the European tie ahead of second-leg trip to the Etihad but labelled the English outfit’s star’s as ‘lacking intensity’ in the second-half, telling BT Sport: ‘The first half was brilliant, that was pure control. Second half, even from the kick off I think they lacked a bit of intensity.

‘Leipzig made a good change. Henrichs came on and provided width on the right hand side and Szoboszlai was able to come inside and they were able to control the game. They are a possession based side. 

‘Maybe they looked at Nottingham Forest and how they defended deep. Second half they realised they had to come out more. They are a ball-playing side and we saw that. Credit Leipzig but I think City were a bit reserved. 

‘I think that is probably what Pep was saying to his players there. They had them. Just finish the job,’ he added.

City’s Spanish leader Guardiola cut an aggravated figure in the away dugout at the Red Bull Arena, staunching his technical area, and throwing in the customary theatrical reaction at times.

But player-turned-pundit Hargreaves understands the Blues boss’ reaction and admitted Guardiola ‘will be annoyed’ with what he saw from his players at times throughout the second-half.

City dominated with 62% possession overall but couldn’t convert on goalscoring opportunities, registering just three shots on targets throughout 90 minutes and superstar striker Erling Haaland seeing his impact limited.

Hargreaves stopped short of overly criticising his old club and insisted the draw was a ‘decent result’ but did explain they could have scored more goals if they played like they did in the first half. 

‘I think he (Guardiola) will be annoyed they stopped playing and that Lepzig were so much better in that second half. We said they would come out more and they did. 

‘All in all it is a decent result, but I think there was more in it for City if they played like they did in the first half. 

City will resume their quest for a place at the top of the Premier League with a weekend trip to strugglers Bournemouth.