Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola believes that his side is not out for revenge against Real Madrid in the Champions League. City has an opportunity to redeem itself this season after being heartbreakingly defeated by the Spanish squad in the final four a year ago. Guardiola is concentrating on the game at hand rather than looking back a year ago as the first leg of their most recent matchup takes place at the Bernabeu on Tuesday.
“Although it was difficult, we played a really strong game here after an incredible first game in Manchester. Although it was a respectable performance overall, it was insufficient. You offer your congratulations and accept it, and now that it has been a year,” Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola said. “We are not here to exact justice. It is an additional chance. We shall have it eventually. The final will be reached, and we will triumph. Since we played Real Madrid last season, it didn’t happen, and in this tournament, they are fully aware of their obligations.”
With a 1-0 win on the night and a 5-3 aggregate advantage going into extra time, City controlled the tie in the second leg and appeared to be headed for the championship game. Nevertheless, they suddenly folded, giving up twice in a row, and losing in overtime. It added to the club’s list of close calls since Guardiola became manager in 2016, which also included losing in the 2021 championship game.
“We aimed to capture the Champions League seven years ago. It seemed like the end of the world during the previous season, yet here we are again. The most crucial element is stability. The crucial factor is that we strive to improve yearly,” he added. “The previous year, we were also ready. We have the same management and many of the same players, but our games are very different. The fact that the second leg is at home and that Manchester will serve as the host city makes a difference.”
Toni Kroos, a midfielder for Real Madrid, has reacted to Wayne Rooney’s assertion that City will easily defeat the Spanish squad. The former captain of England is tipping the league leaders to “blow them away,” but Kroos thinks the same predictions were made about them winning the competition the previous season.
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