"You have to face the game with incredible respect, look in their eyes and say: This is who we are as a team. You have to be who you are. Earn the tickets. I want to deserve to be there. That is the intention on the big stages against the biggest teams, knowing it is 180 minutes and the more you control the good moments it will be better."
"Being proactive to regain the ball, when we cannot attack quick for the quality they have, then drop back as a team, don't make many mistakes—otherwise this competition punishes you a lot—and recover as much as possible. Play better than the opponent."
"I never felt that Bayern Munich and City were who we were supposed to be. That was always my feeling. So, try to face the opponent and don't look at the consequences. If we are out, congratulate Madrid but at least if you are who you are then we can be proud."
Pep Guardiola emphasizes that Manchester City must confront Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 with authenticity and respect. The teams have met 12 times during Guardiola's tenure, with an even record of five wins each and five draws. Guardiola stresses the importance of controlling possession, regaining the ball proactively, minimizing mistakes, and playing better than opponents. He reflects on past experiences where City and Bayern Munich failed to fully embody their intended identity, cautioning against focusing on consequences. Guardiola views the 2023 Champions League final victory as City's maturation moment, suggesting that accumulated experience helps teams grow. The manager prioritizes earning progression through authentic performance rather than tactical compromise.
#champions-league #manchester-city-vs-real-madrid #pep-guardiola #team-identity #tactical-philosophy
Read at www.theguardian.com
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