Despite Pep Guardiola being reluctant to change his style of play, Pablo Zabaleta admits that Manchester City must start playing long balls occasionally.
The new boss has attracted criticism in recent weeks, having been adamant that his possession-based philosophy is non-negotiable.
Man City fell to a 4-2 loss at Leicester City last weekend, seemingly playing into the hands of the reigning champions by deploying a high line, conceding two goals on the counter and another through an intercepted pass.
Following the defeat, Guardiola fielded questions on the mistake of John Stones for the last goal, as well as his side’s lack of defensive prowess and inability to tweak their style.
The Catalan coach was steadfast in protecting his players, while claiming that his methods, which worked superbly at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, would continue.
Zabaleta, though, has suggested that his manager should make a slight alteration for his spell in the Premier League.
As reported by the Daily Express, the Argentinian defender said: “Sometimes we need to play long balls and go for the second balls as well. In this league you need this.
“I think the main problem was we were not controlling the counter-attacks. For that style of play, when you have a team that likes to play with a back four and a high line and press high sometimes, you can be a little exposed at the back.
“It was too much pace at the back. We were conceding too many counter-attacks and needed to be more concentrated on those balls. Defensively you need to be secure, you need to be solid, strong.”
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