Pep Guardiola insists Man City were better side in PSG defeat

Pep Guardiola has insisted that Man City were the better side during their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night, also singling out goalscorer Lionel Messi and Marco Verratti for special praise.

City came into the game off the back of a terrific Premier League win over European champions Chelsea and many tipped them to blow PSG away.

However, that was not the case, with goals from Idrissa Gueye and Messi giving PSG all three points.

After the game, Guardiola insisted that his charges had outplayed their opponents, despite the scoreline suggesting otherwise.

"In the end we were better," Guardiola told BT Sport. "It was a good performance and we did everything but could not score.

"We defended well, they defended deep and, of course, their counterattacking is always dangerous with the quality they have and, unfortunately, we could not control them from scoring but it is football."

"I have nothing to say but my biggest compliments to the team."

City missed several presentable chances during the game, with Bernardo Silva failing to convert an absolute sitter, smashing the woodwork twice from close range. Guardiola went to praise PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has been in and out of the team in recent times.

"In the second half we had many [chances] but Donnarumma made good saves.

"The team was there, just like at Stamford Bridge. The team is alive but it is a pity because we play to win. They don't need much to score goals and they did it."

Guardiola also reserved special mentions for Messi and Verratti, who both caught the eye for the hosts.

"The goal [from Messi] was fantastic," he said.

"If Messi is happy in Paris, I will be so happy for Leo,” Guardiola added. “And let me say I’m in love with Marco Verratti. He is an exceptional player. He is small but you can always count on him. I'm happy he's back from injury."