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Manchester City assistant manager Ruben Cousillas defended Yaya Toure after the midfielder’s lacklustre display against Bayern Munich last night.
Toure, who won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2009, struggled to make an impact against the German champions and has rarely managed to replicate his Premier League form on the biggest stage for City.
Cousillas, who carried out media duties in Munich as manager Manuel Pellegrini was serving a touchline ban, said: “He was absolutely fit and physically without problem.”
Bayern Munich v Manchester City - player ratings
Jermoe Boateng’s deflected strike 89th-minute strike ensured Bayern got off to the best possible start but Cousillas is confident City can still win the group. “Definitely we are frustrated,” he said. “We played a really good game and also gave good entertainment for the people.
“We had two teams trying to score goals but to concede in the last minute was frustrating.
“It’s the first game, we have only just begun. There are many games ahead and we don’t have to be too sad. We can still be first in the group.”
Bayern coach Pep Guardiola was delighted to start their campagin with a win.
The former Barcelona boss said: “We know how difficult this group is. We know it will not be decided until the last game, so to start with this victory is very important for us.”
