Seeking ‘Revenge’ Huge Mistake Against Real Madrid: Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola

Seeking Champions League revenge in opposition to Real Madrid could be a grave error by Manchester City, Pep Guardiola claimed on Monday forward of their semi-final showdown.

The City coach mentioned his workforce would try to capitalise on an “alternative” instead of aiming to make Carlo Ancelotti’s reigning champions pay for eliminating them at the same stage last season.

The former Barcelona player and manager was at odds with City’s defensive midfielder Rodri, who said the team were hungry for revenge against the record 14-time winners on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“It will be a huge mistake, we’re not here for revenge, just an opportunity,” Guardiola instructed a information convention.

“Last season we did every part, greater than every part to achieve the ultimate, however (in) soccer… it’s not sufficient.”

City have never lifted the trophy but Madrid have triumphed five times in the last nine seasons.

Guardiola’s facet beat Madrid 4-3 within the first leg final season and led by a objective within the return, till two late Rodrygo Goes strikes pressured extra-time.

Karim Benzema scored a penalty in the additional period to send Madrid through to the Paris final, where they beat Liverpool.

“I think we did 180 minutes brilliantly but it’s not enough sometimes, you can lose the leg in five minutes,” mentioned Spanish midfielder Rodri.

“You need to kill the opponent when you possibly can. We’ve learnt from the previous however I don’t like to speak concerning the previous.

“We’ve learnt quite a bit, it’s one other 12 months, one other objective, with the starvation of getting revenge.”

Guardiola did agree with Rodri that City played well over both ties last season, despite their eventual elimination.

“We had an exceptional first game in Manchester, we did a really good game here,” mentioned Guardiola.

“All we will do is congratulate them and transfer ahead. One 12 months later, we’re right here.”

The coach said he thought his side would one day triumph in Europe, after disappointment in the 2021 final, where they were beaten by Chelsea.

Guardiola praised his club’s stability, in contrast to other sides who triumph but then fall away in subsequent years.

City have reached at least the last eight in each of the past six seasons.

“One day we will reach the final and we will win it,” mentioned Guardiola.

“I wouldn’t wish to win the Champions League after which go down and down and down.

“Being steady is a very powerful issues as a membership, Madrid are an instance.”

Despite his historic rivalry with Los Blancos, which grew to a bitter peak during Jose Mourinho’s time in charge of Madrid between 2010-13, Guardiola acknowledged their achievements in Europe.

“To win this competition you have to beat the best team, and Madrid are the best team in this competition in the last decade,” he added.

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