Guardiola: City ready to accept Real Madrid challenge
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, aged 54, addressed the media in his recent press conference in anticipation of the Champions League match against Real Madrid scheduled for Tuesday evening.
The Spanish coach was initially asked if facing Real Madrid at this juncture lessens the significance of the encounter.
"The draw is the draw and we accept the challenge."
Next, Guardiola was asked if Real Madrid set the standard in the Champions League.
"Definitely. There are few clubs in Europe with a history like this (Real's).
"We have not done, let's say, 'quite well' in the group stage, so we deserve to be where we are."
He then moved on to the relationship between the two clubs who have met multiple times in recent years and was questioned on if he thinks it is a great rivalry.
"I don't think so (overall in history). In the last years, yes.
"We had good results and bad results.
"Yeah maybe, it's not normal to play the same rival so many times, but in history Madrid, Bayern Munich...
"The last decade we have been around, but in the history of the Champions League there have been many (rivalries)."
The City manager was inquired about the potential for resentment towards Rodri following Madrid's decision to forgo attending the Ballon d'Or ceremony, which came after the revelation that Vinicius Jr. would not be receiving the accolade.
"No, absolutely not. Happy for Rodri. Vinicius Jr had an extraordinary year (too).
"Like in the past, (Lionel) Messi and Cristiano (Ronaldo) were fighting for it - the subject is over."
Guardiola was next questioned on the prospect of playing the second leg at the infamous Bernabeu Stadium.
"We play the second game away because we were not good enough in the group stage. We didn't deserve it (to qualify directly into the last 16).
"The team, our team, has something special and hopefully tomorrow we can prove it."
He was subsequently inquired whether his team perceived themselves as underdogs in the upcoming match against Real Madrid.
"I am uncertain. I believe both teams have encountered challenges related to injuries throughout the season. However, I think Madrid has managed these issues more effectively than we have, as they remain at the top of the league and are competing against Atletico Madrid. This once again highlights their consistency."
"At the end, they are a huge competitor. We know it. We have faced many times with them and how in the tough moments they bring out the best of them - we know it. Of course, we have to make two good games to go through."
Guardiola expressed his discontent regarding a question about whether he perceives himself as being in a struggle to retain his position.
"No," he said. "I don’t know if a doctor will be asked about his position like this.
"I am here because of what I have won in previous seasons. I don’t think I am going to be thrown out onto the street."
Finally, he opened up on how highly he rates Real Madrid's forward players.
"It's impossible in 90/120/200 minutes to control these players. They are exceptional - how they combine, the runners, the ability one against one, how they keep the ball, all four are exceptional.
"Everybody knows it, so you have to reduce that involvement as much as possible, knowing that it's going to happen, accept it."
SportsLigue