Guardiola Defends Donnarumma as Farke Raises Questions Over 'Tactical Injury' at Manchester City

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has come out in support of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who received medical attention in the second half of their 3-2 win over Leeds United on Saturday. Leeds boss Daniel Farke sparked controversy by suggesting that Donnarumma had faked an injury to allow for a team talk. In a dramatic Premier League encounter, City dominated the first half, taking a 2-0 lead through goals from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol. However, Leeds mounted a comeback in the second half, with substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring for the visitors. The score was 2-1 in City's favor when Donnarumma signaled for medical attention, prompting Guardiola to instruct James Trafford to warm up as a precautionary measure. Donnarumma's injury allowed Leeds to regroup and eventually equalize through a Lukas Nmecha penalty. Farke accused City of using a 'tactical injury' to gain an advantage, but acknowledged that it was within the rules. 'It's within the rules, it's smart, it's in the sense of fair play,' he said. 'But I don't think it's the right thing to do.' Guardiola, however, insisted that he believed Donnarumma's injury was genuine. 'I didn't speak with Gigio,' he said. 'When it happened, I looked back to the dugout and said 'James, warm up.' I don't know. Next press conference you can ask me and I will ask Gigio.' The win marked a much-needed relief for City, who had suffered consecutive defeats against Newcastle and Bayer Leverkusen. Guardiola praised his team's resilience, saying, 'The game was not perfect in the first half, but it should have been over with the chances we had. We reacted really well and had to put the ball quickly in the box.'