Pep Guardiola defends his costly team selection gamble after making 10 changes in second successive defeat against Bayer Leverkusen - and blasts those accusing him of 'over-thinking'

Pep Guardiola has defended his approach to selecting teams and insisted critics of his ‘over-thinking’ have short memories.

The depth in quality among Manchester City’s squad has come under scrutiny this week after Guardiola’s call to make 10 changes for Tuesday’s defeat by Bayer Leverkusen backfired.

The 54-year-old took full responsibility for the performance but reminded any detractors that he often takes risks in management and agonises over decisions.

‘Do you think that thinking is a problem, as a human being?’ Guardiola said. ‘I can make a list of when I think a lot and it works. After that I’m (considered) a genius.

‘I take my decision for what is the best for the team in that moment, knowing it can be wrong. I spoke with the players that it can happen and I support you, but I ask you to try. I only ask to try.’

Guardiola did admit that City need to earn louder support from their fans inside the Etihad Stadium after the likes of Omar Marmoush attempted to whip up the crowd earlier in the week.

‘As a fan, I would not cheer my team, playing in the way we played,’ he added. ‘Our fans make the effort to come to see us. And we are incredibly grateful to come.

‘And I know the stadium because I've been for many, many years. If you do what you have to do, they are there. And this is what you have to try to do.’

City are seven points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal before Saturday’s home match against Leeds United, for which Rodri remains unavailable.

The Spain international has featured for just one minute since the start of October amid a hamstring injury.

City can ill-afford to slip up this weekend after losing at Newcastle United and Guardiola added: ‘We know the competitions are tough. It is not about one result, it is in the performance.

‘Of course, results help performances but I'm not very disappointed about Newcastle. Leverkusen yes, because of my decisions and because we didn't try, it's as simple as that.

‘I know the difference is already there and Arsenal are so strong. You start to see how you are getting better as a team and we will see.

‘We cannot lose games - absolutely. That is the truth. Arsenal are winning games in a way where they are so solid, like we had in the past with Liverpool, that they are not going to drop many points.’