The defending Premier League champions blew the home side away to open up a three-goal lead in the opening 45 minutes but were on the back foot for a period after the break, when the Seagulls delivered a much-improved display in our 4-1 victory.
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Guardiola admitted his side’s level dropped after a sensational start but believes it was a good learning experience for his players, reinforcing the need for us to use possession wisely.
“Absolutely not,” he said when asked at his post-match press conference if our second half display was as a result of our exertions against Club Brugge in midweek.
“I will tell you the reason why we didn’t play well in half an hour of the second half. In this game, you have to have the ball. If you don’t have it, you suffer.
“Brighton know what to do. We suffered together and it is a good lesson for the future. It doesn’t matter what stadium, the only time you have success is to play with the ball - to have the ball.
“We gave the ball away and when the opponent is good, you suffer.”
