Speaking on TNT Sports’ Goal Show Xtra, James Horncastle suggested that Manchester City “need to be playing less football” following their 3-1 comeback victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday night.
The Cityzens needed nothing less than three points at Etihad Stadium to progress to the play-off stages of the UEFA Champions League, and looked to be heading out of the competition when Raphael Onyedika opened the scoring just before the break.
But while a second-half comeback salvaged City’s European hopes, Horncastle quipped: “It sounds crazy to say this, but I think it might have benefitted them to go out tonight.”
“Obviously they’re ambitious and want to go all the way to win this competition but I think in some respects, this team needs to be playing less football now. It needs to have time on the training ground, time to relax and rest a little bit rather than keep going,” he added.
Manchester City’s journey to the round-of-16 will be far from straightforward, with the Cityzens set to play either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the play-offs. Their opponents will be confirmed in Friday’s draw.