Pep Guardiola laments 'terrible' Premier League form and picks two key tactics against Real Madrid
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he was delighted to have secured a 3-3 draw against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, meaning their Champions League quarter-final will be decided at Eastlands next week.
He was asked after the game if it was a missed opportunity not to have taken a win, after being a goal to the good to go in the last 10 minutes. Interestingly, Carlo Ancelotti lamented Real Madrid's missed chances in the 2-1 loss to Real Madrid.
“No, it's the Bernabeu, dear friend. They're English and you don't know what it's like to play at the Bernabeu. They have the quality, not just the legs, to make these transitions very effectively. To score three goals at the Bernabeu is very good “.
His biggest complaint was in fact the state of the Bernabeu pitch. While continuing to fulfill his media duties, Guardiola Perhaps it hinted at some of the key differences between the 4-0 last season and the draw, including Ferland Mendy returning to left-back, the area from which two of his goals came at the Etihad in that famous victory.
“He is more of a defender than Camavinga, who played here in the second leg last year,” he remarked. AS Diary.
Guardiola admitted to being surprised by Real Madrid lining up Vinicius Junior more central, and Rodrygo Goes to the left, but also reasoned that it was very difficult to prevent counter-attack. He also singled out Toni Kroos for special praise.
“It is never impossible, but it is very difficult, so I try to minimize it. They have the ability to dribble, shoot … and then there is Kroos, who moves the team in a way that only he can. A tie. Let's go for the return stage.”
One of the key differences between the teams was the difference in rest between the two sides, with Guardiola's City having played twice since Los Blancos were last in the field.
“I want to feel very good, very good. We got an incredible draw. The Premier League is terrible in terms of not resting. They had nine days to prepare this game and we were busy with many things. They are legends. My players are legends. They have spent seven years every day without saying that they are tired. They make me feel very proud. I am happy that we can play the second leg in Manchester and that it is open. Because if we win 2-3 here, the game would still be open. We have need to win and we will win.”
As for the game more generally, he felt that the city improved much more in the second half, which they won 2-1.
“In the first half, we were very safe with the ball, but we had losses against a very dangerous team. But, the second half was brilliant. There is a risk when they attack like crazy and concede what they want. Three against one, four against one… it's impossible. We played smart. We attacked in the right place. At the end, Phil put it in the top corner and Josko too.”
