MADRID — Pep Guardiola has challenged his Manchester City gamers to face Real Madrid with no worry forward of yet one more Champions League showdown.
The Spanish giants have knocked City out of the competitors in every of the final two seasons and 4 instances in complete.
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But depleted by accidents to key gamers together with Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, Guardiola mentioned his staff should go toe-to-toe on the Bernabeu in Wednesday’s last-16 first leg.
“Try to face the opponent and don’t look much at the consequences,” mentioned Guardiola when requested what recommendation he can be giving his gamers.
“If we are out, congratulate Madrid, but at least be who you are.
“That is at all times my concern within the largest phases in March and April. Sometimes it isn’t potential as a result of the opponent is healthier otherwise you can’t impose what you need however not less than attempt it.
“In this kind of competition that is so important. You never know what is going to happen, but for sure good things cannot happen if you are not who you are.
“You must face the sport with unimaginable respect, look of their eyes and that is who we’re as a staff.”
The game in Madrid on Wednesday will be the 16th meeting between the two teams since 2012 with the 17th coming in next week’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
City won 2-1 at the Bernabeu in the league phase in December, but were thrashed 6-3 over two legs in the play-offs last season.
Erling Haaland was one of the players unable to feature in Madrid last season, but Guardiola has almost a fully fit squad at his disposal this time.
“This season we have now the squad,” said the City boss.
“Last season we arrived with quite a lot of fatigue and few gamers obtainable.
“We have to prepare the game and we know that we have to give a top performance so that we can get to the second leg with our people [in Manchester].”
