Pep Guardiola
As Manchester City gears up for their crucial Champions League tie against Real Madrid, manager Pep Guardiola has highlighted the importance of his team maintaining their identity on the big stage. After years of near misses, City finally clinched the coveted trophy in 2023, albeit without their best performance in the final against Inter Milan. Now, as they prepare to face Real Madrid, Guardiola is determined for his team to “deserve” their place in the next round by staying true to themselves.
Pep Guardiola said: “Play better than the opponent. There are a lot of factors. Today, set-pieces are an incredible weapon, especially in the Premier League. But play better than the opponent. Sometimes you don’t play much and go through but I always try to say okay. And it’s not easy because my feeling here from when I was Barcelona manager, I never felt at Bayern Munich and Man City that we were who we were supposed to be. That was always my feeling. At Anfield with Jurgen (Klopp) playing in the Champions League. Try to be ourselves. Try to face the opponent and don’t look much of the consequences. If we are out, congratulate Madrid, but at least if you are who you are. That is always my concern in the biggest stages in March and April. Sometimes it is not possible because the opponent is clear or you cannot impose what you want but at least try it. It is difficult to arrive in the first year and win it, but in that team they suffered experiences and experiences in the past that helps to grow up. Losing here in the last minutes or being out against Tottenham [in 2019], many times when we were outstanding and out is something you have to live. But now we have lots of players who didn’t play that and we have to see how we react.”
Despite some inconsistencies this season, including dropped points against Tottenham, Chelsea, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest, Manchester City remains in contention for four trophies. Guardiola’s young squad has demonstrated resilience, securing victories at prestigious venues like the Bernabeu and Anfield. They have also come close to defeating Arsenal at the Emirates and have a strong record against Newcastle.
While Guardiola acknowledges that simply finding ways to win may not suffice for Champions League success, he remains optimistic about his team’s potential. The manager believes that the experiences of past setbacks have prepared his players for the challenges ahead. As City prepares for their showdown with Real Madrid, the focus remains on playing their best football and staying true to their identity.
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