Saturday 26 November 2016 16:11, UK
Pep Guardiola admits Manchester City need to find a way to deal with long balls after their 2-1 victory over Burnley on Saturday.
Sergio Aguero scored twice as City came from behind to win a hard-fought match at Turf Moor.
Despite the result, City, who were without captain Vincent Kompany and John Stones, looked largely unconvincing at the back, especially when Burnley took the aerial route into the box.
"It's difficult to defend against long balls," said Guardiola. "Burnley are taller than us and second balls are good. They are so dangerous.
"All Premier League teams do well in this area and we have to improve a little bit the way we deal with those kind of actions - in Spain and Germany, it doesn't happen.
"You cannot press because there are long balls and they are taller than us. They put the ball in the channels, looking for corners and free-kicks. I have to learn what we have to do.
"Some faults are our own fault. I also need time to understand the referees. We are so satisfied for the points and the performance, especially three days after the Champions League."
The win for City comes just three days after their draw at Borussia Monchengladbach that secured their passage into the last 16 of the Champions League.
"All of the players showed huge character and a lot of personality," added Guardiola. "And after going 1-0 down at a stadium where only Chelsea are better at home. We are so happy. We have a long week to rest a little and prepare for Chelsea."
Aguero was an injury doubt ahead of the match but proved key for City as he took his tally to the season to 10 in the league with a scrappy double.
"They were beautiful goals," joked Guardiola. "He is talented. He played very well and moved well.
"From the beginning, he was ready. His body language was really good. Of course, he has the quality to score amazing goals but we need him in the box.
"He played a really good game. It has been a huge week for us. We qualified in the Champions League, and we won at Crystal Palace and Burnley so that's why we're happy. I am still learning but I am in the process."
