The Champions League holders confirmed high spot in Group G with a dramatic victory, having trailed 2-Zero at half-time.
Louis Openda scored twice for the Bundesliga outfit, leaving the Etihad shocked to silence and Guardiola with loads of work to do.
He modified Ruben Dias for Nathan Ake at half-time earlier than withdrawing Grealish and Kyle Walker for Jeremy Doku and Julian Alvarez earlier than the hour mark.
Moments after the second wave of substitutions, Erling Haaland turned the quickest participant in Champions League historical past to achieve 40 objectives to spark life into the hosts.
Phil Foden assisted Haaland’s strike and scored a purpose of his personal within the 70th minute to attract Metropolis degree earlier than Julian Alvarez netted the winner with three minutes of regular time left.
In his evaluation, Guardiola highlighted Rico Lewis and Foden for reward. And the Catalan coach gave Doku a particular point out for influencing Metropolis’s game-winning response.
“That is the Champions League [City’s first-half performance],” Guardiola informed TNT Sports activities after full-time.
“Leipzig are all the time a group that qualifies for the final 16 the final 5 or 6 years. We conceded an excessive amount of defensively. It’s a must to win the actions, and we did not do it.
“We needed to be as relaxed as potential, and we reacted very well. We’re first within the group, and I’m very glad with the response on the finish. The group runs and fights and has spirit.
“We modified with our press. Rico [Lewis] was once more distinctive, and Phil [Foden], within the remaining third, had decisive actions. I feel Jeremy [Doku] modified our rhythm.”