"We have important players right now who are here in the Bernabeu for the first time. We have a little bit of a transition. I'd say the biggest players, with the incredible legacies over one decade -- De Bruyne, Gündogan, Walker, Stones, Rodri -- are not here. Many players are new and have to experience that because if you want to make a step up in Europe you have to live these experiences, so next time you know that you have done it and can compete."
"Maybe, yes. It's one more game and we will try to be the best version of ourselves and to add another three points to stay in the top eight."
Pep Guardiola urged Manchester City to use the Champions League tie at Real Madrid's Bernabeu to prove the retooled squad can win trophies this season. City face Real for a fifth consecutive season while the squad has lost long-serving figures such as Kevin De Bruyne, Éderson, Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gündogan, and key players Rodri and John Stones are unavailable through injury. Guardiola described the squad as in transition and said many players must gain European experience to step up. Bernardo Silva returns as captain and called the match a tough but fitting test for the team.
Read at ESPN.com
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