Pep Guardiola has expressed confidence that Manchester City can overturn their first-leg deficit against Real Madrid when both teams meet in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League clash later this week.
The Premier League side suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat in last week’s first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu and now face a daunting task of progressing to the last eight.
Federico Valverde scored a stunning hat-trick in that encounter to give the Spanish side a big advantage, although Guardiola has fancied his side’s chances of overturning the scoreline.
“If they don’t believe, it’s a problem. They are adults. They have good salaries
If they don’t believe in that in the Champions League, go home, stay home. We have to try. What do we have to lose?”, Guardiola said.
“Madrid never came back in history? I don’t know how many — 50 Champions League games, they never came back from 3-0?
“Of course, it’s a tough result. But we have to try, for respect for the people, for fans, for our job, you know?”
Manchester City also lost ground in the Premier League title race last weekend after they were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling West Ham United.
City are now nine points behind Arsenal, although they have a game in hand, heading into the final few weeks of the season.
Guardiola also revealed that his side will improve and be much better by next season.
“I like my team, still. I know for [some] people today modern football is not… but I still like it”, Guardiola admitted.
“So, until the end, we’ll continue. And next season, we’ll be back.”
Meanwhile, Manchester City must score four times without reply to overcome Real Madrid when both sides face later on Tuesday.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
