Pep Guardiola: 'I always overthink stupid tactics in the Champions League'

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that he 'always overthinks stupid tactics' when preparing his side for games in the Champions League.

The Citizens have yet to get their hands on the trophy of Europe's elite club competition, but they came close last season, only to lose 1-0 against Premier League rivals Chelsea in the final.

Guardiola has been accused of overthinking in the knockout rounds of the Champions League over the years, and last season he was criticised for not starting a recognised defensive midfielder against the West Londoners.

Ahead of City's quarter-final first-leg tie against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, Guardiola has revealed that new tactics will be in place at the Etihad Stadium and joked that they will play with 12 men.

"In the Champions League I always overthink. Tomorrow, you will see a new tactic," Guardiola told reporters in his press conference on Monday.

"I overthink a lot, that's why I have very good results in the Champions League. I love it. It would be boring if I always played the same way.

"People can believe I approach Atletico and Liverpool in the same way – but, of course, their movements are completely different. The movements are different, the players are all different with different personalities.

"Every player has a mother and father and the mother and father give different personalities to the players. That's why I love to overthink and create stupid tactics, and when we don't win I am punished. Tonight I take an inspiration and I'm going to do incredible tactics tomorrow. We play with 12 tomorrow!"

Man City are preparing to face a challenging run of fixtures across all competitions this month, with their two-legged Champions League tie with Atletico played either side of a Premier League showdown with Liverpool on Sunday, before facing the Reds again in the FA Cup semi-finals on April 16.