- Copenhagen 1-3 Man City: Champions League holders take control of last-16 tie
- Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva were forced off during the match due to injury
- It’s inexcusable and unprofessional! Kalvin Phillips should never have been overweight… he needs to get his career back on track – It all starts podcast
Manchester City have one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League but left Copenhagen battered and bruised after Tuesday night’s 3-1 win.
Phil Foden’s injury-time goal gives them a two-goal lead for next month’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium after Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva found the net.
But Pep Guardiola was concerned about the extent of a groin injury suffered by Jack Grealish – and saw Silva forced off after a nasty tackle on his ankle.
City were outraged by a Kevin Diks challenge that ripped Silva’s socks and the Portuguese protested to the fourth official when he was substituted.
However, Grealish’s problem is more pressing and he will carry out tests to assess the damage.
Jack Grealish cut a dismayed figure on the touchline after being substituted due to injury
The striker appeared to sustain a muscle injury during the first half and went down wincing in pain
Your browser does not support iframes.
“It’s a shame, he’s broken,” Guardiola said. ‘I haven’t spoken to the doctor, but it looks muscular. His mood at training has been much better in recent days.
“He played really well, he helped us with the pace. He wanted to continue, but we didn’t want to cause more damage.”
City were on the receiving end of the rough treatment all night and Guardiola added: ‘We knew it beforehand. We talked about that. They are so aggressive. The referee did a good job. They cared about managing that. Hopefully Bernardo won’t be a big problem.’
De Bruyne finished with a goal and two assists as his form continues to soar following hamstring surgery, a point that coincides with Foden’s most consistent spell of his career.
“It’s the longest run of games I think I’ve had in the team,” Foden said. “You get into a rhythm. I’m feeling good. You find your feet and you make connections with other players, I think that’s what it’s all about.
‘I just feel alive and always involved in the game. Kevin and I have built that connection now so we know where we are running. He is such an important player for us.’
Foden claimed City’s players found it difficult to communicate in the tense atmosphere at Parken, but Guardiola believes his side pacified the hostile home crowd.
Bernardo Silva was forced off after a rash challenge from Kevin Diks in the second half
Guardiola speaks to Silva after he limped off with an ankle injury on Tuesday evening
“In these types of games you expect the transitions that you suffer from,” he said. ‘Slow it down in this incredible stadium with the crowd behind them. Make 1,000 passes, make sure they don’t score a goal. Then the stadium will collapse.
‘I’ve seen Manchester United’s games and how difficult it was for them. I knew it, the players knew it.’