Every Manchester City fan I spoke to outside the ground in Porto after their defeat in the Champions League final asked me the same thing – ‘why didn’t he play Fernandinho?’
But I can see why City boss Pep Guardiola left his captain out, and I can understand why Rodri didn’t start either.
Pep has thought ‘I don’t need a holding midfielder in the centre’ because Chelsea play with two men on the outside in Mason Mount and Kai Havertz behind Timo Werner.
Pep thought by going with Ilkay Gundogan in there instead, City could be more creative – but he must have known it would leave them much more open than usual.
Chelsea were clever, of course. Although they kept their defensive shape extremely well, they were not passive about it – they were trying things as well.
They knew City wanted to press them high, so they pulled Havertz on to Oleksandr Zinchenko to stop him pushing on to Reece James down their right side. That worked going forward as well as defensively.
Havertz was constantly playing on Zinchenko’s shoulder, but the only time he ran inside him was for Chelsea’s winner, when Ruben Dias was dragged away by Werner and it left that big gap down the middle.
Meanwhile, James just had Raheem Sterling to look after rather than worrying about Zinchenko coming at him too, and he dealt with Sterling brilliantly.
It was the same on the opposite flank, where Mount pushed on to Kyle Walker and Ben Chilwell kept Riyad Mahrez quiet.
So, out wide, Chelsea were on top. When City’s wingers got in one-on-one situations, they rarely got past James or Chilwell whether they went inside them or outside.
Down the middle, N’Golo Kante was breaking play up so well too, pinching things and stopping City from building any momentum with their passing.
‘A bold line-up, but it did not work’
Ultimately, City will be disappointed they didn’t move Chelsea around more, but you have to give huge credit to Thomas Tuchel for the way he set Chelsea up.
With five at the back, and two in front, there was no way through.
Kante was meant to be a fitness doubt with a hamstring injury but he absolutely bossed the midfield.
I could tell there was no problem with him when he darted into City’s box to get on the end of a cross in the first few minutes. You don’t make runs like that if you are just trying to get through a game, and he ended up playing an integral role.
City’s line-up was a bold one, but Kante was one of the reasons they ended up barely registering a shot on target.
Officially they had one, when Edouard Mendy blocked a Sterling flick early on, but James had already got a foot in and the chance had pretty much gone.
That was the only time Mendy had to make a save – apart from that there were a couple of dangerous balls across his box, and a Mahrez shot in stoppage time that flew just over.
That was it, while Chelsea kept getting behind City, and had plenty of other opportunities before and after their goal.
‘Totally different to City’s usual approach’
The lack of an attacking threat wasn’t the only way this was totally different to the kind of display we have got used to seeing from City this season.
Pep changed things around a few games into the campaign and basically said his side were now going to stay tight, and allow fewer counter-attacks against them.
City focused on keeping the ball and grinding teams down from there, and we have seen countless masterclasses in that from them in the past few months.
This time, though, it was as if Pep thought he had to go and open the game up, because otherwise Chelsea would have just sat in.
I am sure he understood the risks that went with doing that. I’d be amazed if he didn’t – but for various reasons, his plan did not work.
He will get some criticism now about changing a winning style because City lost, and are still waiting for their first Champions League triumph.
But let’s keep some perspective. City have come a long way, and this was their first Champions League final. It came in a season where they have played twice a week, every week, and have ended up with the Premier League title.
Losing will hurt Pep and his players, as much as it will be an amazing experience for Chelsea. who thoroughly deserved their victory.
But this has still been a great season for City – one frustrating night does not change that.
RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.
Inspired by both African culture and international music, RUAN-Badkid.96 embraces the confidence and ambition of global hip-hop while staying deeply connected to his roots. His lyrics explore love, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, social injustice, hope, and the everyday realities of life. He doesn’t create music to follow trends, he creates music to reflect truth, emotion, and human experience.
Behind his fearless image is an artist who believes in kindness, equality, justice, and genuine human connection. His appearance may be intimidating, but his message is rooted in compassion and authenticity. Every record carries a piece of his journey, proving that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same voice.
For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.
Entertainment Gists
Meet the Man Who Turned Hype Into a Science: Emmy Blaq, Nigeria’s G.O.A.T. of Hype
If you have ever been at a Nigerian event and found yourself on your feet before the main act even stepped on stage, there is a good chance a hype man was responsible. But not just any hype man. Emmy Blaq, born Ikechukwu Emmanuel Chima and raised in Auchi, Edo State, has spent the last few years quietly becoming the most talked-about name in that profession, and the Nigerian press has taken notice. Punch, Vanguard, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation, and Independent Newspaper have all sat down with him, and every conversation leads back to the same thing: this man does not just make noise; he makes moments.
What makes Emmy Blaq different is the journey behind the energy. Before the stages, the collaborations with Waje on her “Waje 2.0” album, DJ Consequence, and DJ Kaywise on the massively streamed “Joor Party Mix” series, he was repairing generators, cutting hair, and sewing clothes in Auchi. His first professional hype gig happened at a local fast food spot called Valchi, and the crowd response that night changed everything. He told The Nation directly: “My passion for entertainment and desire to make people happy led me into the craft.” Punch also captured his bigger mission when he said that hype men deserve more than what they currently earn, a statement that sparked a real conversation across Nigerian entertainment circles.
With over 1.7 million TikTok followers, 23.6 million TikTok likes, a viral “Wife Material” challenge that landed on Pulse Nigeria’s top ten social media moments of 2021, and an international performance at the Cameroon International Music Festival that Cameroonian media described as electrifying, Emmy Blaq is not building toward something. He is already there. The G.O.A.T. of Hype is not a title he gave himself and hoped would stick. It is one the rooms keep confirming every single time he grabs the mic.
MANAGER PROFILE
Uncle Wisdom is a Lagos-based music executive and visionary leader known for blending structure, strategy, and creativity in artist management. With a background in Mathematics and Statistics from UNICROSS formerly, Cross River University Of Technology. He brings analytical precision into talent development, positioning artists for both creative excellence and commercial success.
CAREER JOURNEY
Began his career in 2017 as an event coordinator for Eksu Olofofo, where he gained foundational experience in live events and audience engagement. By 2018, he transitioned into full-time artist management, driven by a clear goal to build a more structured and results-oriented system within the music industry.
In 2019, Started working as a road manager for Barry Jhay, gaining hands-on experience in touring, logistics, and artist operations, a refined career and mental awareness coach . He was also instrumental behind Barry Jhay’s 2025 sold-out homecoming concert, a key moment that fueled momentum for a successful UK tour, including sold-out shows in London and Birmingham.
PHLOX MGMT
Founded from the ground up, Phlox Mgmt is a forward-thinking management company focused on Career coaching, A&R, artist development, and strategic positioning. The company is built on a clear philosophy:
Develop the sound. Define the brand. Position the artist to win.
Phlox Mgmt has connections with @Roadgod_of Roadgod Agency and connects artists with top-tier producers, engineers, and creatives, ensuring a refined sound and strong market presence. The company continues to grow as a trusted platform for emerging and established talent.
INDUSTRY NETWORK & COLLABORATIONS
Uncle Wisdom has built valuable relationships across the industry, working with and alongside talents such as:
Barry Jhay • Asake • Ceeza Milli • Berri Tiga • Laime • Spellz • and many others
LEADERSHIP APPROACH
John Wisdom operates with a long-term vision, focusing on structure, consistency, and execution. His approach goes beyond traditional management he builds systems around artists that support sustainable growth, strong branding, and global competitiveness.
CONTACT & SOCIALS
Instagram & X: @Johnwisdm @phlox_mgmt
TikTok: @unclewisdom7
Email: phloxentertainment@gmail.com
Phone: 08038448478 | 09015668027
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