Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola concedes his team did not play at the top level despite claiming maximum points against Thembinkosi Lorch and Cassius Mailula's Wydad Athletic Club.
Phil Foden struck inside three minutes before Jeremy Doku scored late in the first half to hand the English heavyweights a 2-0 win. As a result, they are second in Group G, behind Juventus, who beat Al Ain 5-0.
While Mailula struggled to deliver, Lorch underlined his quality with a dazzling display that earned him plaudits. Goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid was also in an inspired form for the Botola Pro League outfit, making some top saves to ensure the Citizens didn't find it easy.
Apart from the challenging weather conditions, the Spaniard conceded that Wydad Casablanca provided a tough test.
‘We need to improve things'
“First of all, the keeper has incredible delivery in the three-quarter positions, so they defend five in the back, 5-4-1, which I didn’t expect because they always play four at the back, but when we allowed them to play that had good quality,” he opened up to the media.
“We had our moments, many chances, clear ones, they had one or two chances, so in general, with the conditions, I give credit to both teams, sometimes we demand more aggression, more movement, but it’s not easy with this weather, but yeah, first three points.
“It’s important, so now there’s the second one, win the next one and be qualified, then we see if we can be first or second [in the pool], We need to improve things, which is normal with all these players,” Guardiola concluded.
While City play Al Ain in the next assignment, Lorch and Mailula's team will be up against Serie A giants Juventus.
