The likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Julian Alvarez, Riyad Mahrez and Cole Palmer all came on to impressive effect in Saturday’s impressive 3-0 Premier League win at Wolves.
That significant impact from the bench was mirrored in last Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League success over Borussia Dortmund where Phil Foden, Alvarez and Bernardo Silva all made their presence felt after coming on.
With the Premier League having introduced the advent of five substitutes this season, the importance of substitutes has never been more evident.
And speaking in the wake of our impressive success at Molineux, Guardiola was keen to highlight the difference the bench can make – especially with such a busy schedule looming after the September international break
CITY+ | SIGN UP TO ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
“The impact of the guys who came from the bench against Dortmund was so important and on Saturday the guys who came in from the bench were so impactful,” Guardiola pointed out.
“With this crazy schedule we need everyone. And now with five substitutions the impact from the guys with the mentality and the right position (is important).
“Normally when people come from the bench and play bad it is because they are not right here (in the mind). They are complaining because they don’t play.
“But when they are there with a good impact, they can help us because the quality is there.
“On Saturday, Riyad played some good minutes and minutes for Cole and everyone.
“Gundo played really, really good with his decisions and this is what it is... so this is a good sign.”
Play the video to watch Pep’s press conference in full...
