Pep Guardiola refused to blame Claudio Bravo after Manchester City’s defeat to Barcelona.
City were beaten 4-0 at the Nou Camp as Lionel Messi scored another Champions League hat-trick.
The visitors were well in the match until Bravo saw red for a ludicrous handball.
The City stopper attempted a chipped pass that fell straight to Luis Suarez and with the Uruguayan’s attempt going in, Bravo opted to handle well outside the area.
Despite the costly error, Guardiola said he will stick by Bravo and will not change his ‘sweeper-keeper’ policy, even though he conceded it can lead to self-inflicted trouble.
“It’s always difficult to play Barca with 11 players,” said Guardiola. “With 10, the game was over.
“I spoke with Claudio. He was disappointed but it’s part of the game. Football is a game of mistakes, he knows what he did.
“He has a lot of experience and he’s one of best goalkeepers in last 10 years. I don’t have doubts about him. He’s disappointed but he’ll learn from that.
“But I’m sorry, until the last day of my career as a coach, I will try to play out from our goalkeeper.
“There are moments you have to kick the ball out, but he tried to play it and sometimes it happens.”
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