We were naive: Pep

MONACO. — Pep Guardiola suggested his side’s lack of European experience — as well as a terrible first half — was to blame for them crashing out the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Guardiola also said his failure to convince his Manchester City players to attack in Monaco is the reason for their Champions League elimination.

Manchester City, who won the first leg of the last-16 tie 5-3 at the Etihad, were beaten 3-1 at Stade Louis II, and were dumped out by the away goal rule.

Speaking after the game the Spaniard explained why his side were unable to progress.

“45 minutes (is where it went wrong), we played an exceptional second half but in the first one we forgot to be there,” said Guardiola.

“In the second half we were much better but it wasn’t enough.

“Normally we play to a good level but in that moment we didn’t, but that happens and we will learn. We have a team without the experience in this competition.

“The second half we had the chances to score a lot of goals but we didn’t and that’s why we are out.

“I tried to convince them in all the meetings we had to come here, try to attack and score.

“My mistake was being not able to convince them to do that.”

The Spaniard added: “I did (convince them) in the second half but it was too late.

“All managers make mistakes but I don’t think it was down to a tactical mistake.

“It’s simple. The difference was between the first and the second half. In the second half we tried to win the game, we tried to play. I did it all my career in that way. But the problem was the first half. We weren’t there.”

Monaco took an early lead through Kylian Mbappe before Fabinho doubled their advantage before the break.

City looked stronger after half time and Leroy Sane bagged a vital away goal in the 71st minute to put his team in the driving seat.

But Tiemoue Bakayoko had the final say a quarter of an hour before the end when he bagged the equaliser that put Monaco through.

City were overrun and sloppy at the back as they conceded twice in the first half. — The Mirror.