"He stressed that his side was in a transitional phase, which began with the 185m outlay on signings last January and continued into the summer. It was a time, he suggested, for some of his new players to grow. We have lost important players De Bruyne, Gundo, Walker; Stones and Rodri are not here, the City manager said. Many players are new and they have to experience it on these stages and know that for the next time, I have done it and can do it again."
"Alonso has presided over a disastrous run of two wins in seven matches in all competitions, which has resulted in a 12-point swing with Barcelona in La Liga; Madrid's rivals are now four points clear at the top. Alonso desperately needs a result against City; a defeat could have grave consequences for him. Guardiola sought to turn the focus inwards."
Pep Guardiola challenged his reshaped Manchester City side to prove they can thrive at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid. Several stalwarts are absent: John Stones is injured and Rodri is out, while Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Kyle Walker have departed. The squad is undergoing a transitional phase following a 185m outlay on signings that began in January and continued into the summer. New players must gain experience on big stages. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso faces pressure after two wins in seven matches and a 12-point swing in La Liga, making a result against City imperative.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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