Man City's collapse: Rooney explains City's Champions League weaknesses in Real Madrid defeat

Wayne Rooney has criticised Manchester City's performance in their 3-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, highlighting their "naivety" and lack of belief as key factors in the loss. 

City were leading 2-1 with less than 10 minutes remaining but conceded two late goals to lose the first leg of their play-off tie.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports

Manchester United's all-time record goalscorer believes that City's players lacked the composure and confidence that has been a hallmark of their success under Pep Guardiola. 

"I think there was a lot of naivety from Manchester City - especially later in the game," he told Prime Video. "For me, I think Manchester City's players over the last few years you have seen a strong belief and confidence.

"The players tonight were looking round at each other, almost with a lack of belief in each other, and I think that is a worry for Guardiola."

Rooney contrasted City's performance with that of Real Madrid, who were missing several key defenders but showed resilience and determination to secure a vital victory. 

He believes that City's defeat exposed a worrying weakness in their mentality and that Guardiola needs to address this issue if they are to progress in the Champions League.

“Real Madrid have come here without any of their back four and I don't think we have heard Carlo Ancelotti talk about that once,” continued the retired striker. 

"When you are 2-1 up against Real Madrid with a game coming up at the Bernabeu, you have to say 'let's be sensible', let them have the ball in their half, reset.”

Man City host Newcastle United at the Etihad on Saturday before travelling to Santiago Bernabeu for the reverse fixture with Real Madrid next Wednesday.