The Blues were far from their best on a disappointing night at St Mary’s as we fell to first half goals from Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo.
Guardiola had no complaints about the result and said bottom of the Premier League Southampton were good value for their victory after upsetting our rhythm from the opening moments of the game.
“The best team won,” the boss said. “They were better. We had a bad night and we didn’t play good.
“We didn’t react good to the bad start. We didn’t perform well and to win games, and I’m not talking titles, you have to deserve it.
“If I win something I want to deserve it and today it was not the case. Southampton deserve to be in the semi-finals of this competition.”
After back-to-back victories over Chelsea in the Premier League and FA Cup, City went into the game in fine form.
And Guardiola said there was a huge contrast between the performances in the 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge and the 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium, compared to that against the Saints.
“It was a bad night,” he added. “I know them quite well and today it was not even close to what we are.
“You can pass three days with Chelsea and today so it’s a big difference. So, nothing to say.
“[Southampton] were better. When they are better you have to congratulate them and accept it and improve.”
Guardiola made four changes from the side that beat Chelsea in the FA Cup with Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne among the substitutes.
Asked about his selection, the boss added: “Always I have the belief that when you play four competitions you have to use everyone.
“Everyone has to be ready. And the guys who don’t play have to do something with the body language to help the guys who do play and everyone has to be involved.
“So who knows with Erling or Kevin if it would be different? We try to do our best with everyone and we rotate the team.
“When we played Chelsea after the Premier League, it is ‘how nice are the decisions’. I understand how it is, this business. What we try to do for everyone involved and we have to do it and today was not the case.”
City’s big games keep coming starting with the Premier League trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the derby followed by a home clash with Spurs.
And Guardiola said he is expecting a reaction for the short trip across the city.
“I think it is different, a different competition but of course if we perform in this way we will not have chance,” he added.
“I know the moment they have and many years they were looking forward to stay in this position so we know exactly what we have to do to play better so we will try to do it.”
