Manuel Pellegrini has accused his side of being caught cold as they left themselves facing another Champions League exit.
The Premier League Champions had a two goal lead but allowed CSKA to snatch a draw, with Pellegrini initially blaming the sub-zero temperatures for his team’s collapse, according to the Mirror.
A controversial 85th-minute penalty did the damage – and the City boss said: “I’m disappointed because we should have been more than 2-0 up. We had three or four chances to score but we didn’t play well in the second half.”
City face the prospect of a third group stage exit in four years – and must win their remaining three games to stand any chance of making the knockout stage.
Clarifying his initial comment on the cold, Pellegrini said: “I don’t want to find excuses. The cold was same first half as second half. Maybe in the second half for different reasons we didn’t do it.
“Maybe it was difficult for the players to continue their motivation as it had been so easy in the first half.
“We tried to close the game but couldn’t. We have lost an important two points, but there are nine points more to play for.”
UEFA have launched an investigation after around 300 CSKA fans gained access to the stadium, which was meant to be closed to supporters.
CSKA spokesman Sergey Aksenov said: “They are part of the Champions Club, invited by UEFA. If they are also CSKA fans, then that’s good.”
Pellegrini was asked whether he felt the presence of those rogue fans could have influenced the decision to give the penalty.
He said: “I agree.”