Pep Guardiola has spent most of the time downplaying the importance and importance of the Champions League in Manchester City.
The arrival of the coach, who won the competition twice, at Etihad in 2016 was seen as the last piece of the puzzle that the blues bosses had put together for some time, the man who could pull it all together and deliver the most coveted trophy crown the climb of the club at the forefront of European football.
However, as much as he loves the Champions League and how much the dismantling of United, which his team produced in Barcelona in their biggest game of the season, is anchored in the collective memory, Guardiola was more interested in championship titles that determine success.
“I want to be happy for 11 months. It makes me happy the Premier League, “he insisted earlier this season.” If I win, the days after I’m happier. I better go to restaurants, I feel better, I work better with my players. It gives me
“Will I wait until February to play seven games with everything black in color? In my view, it is too risky. “
With the Premier League gone and City’s future in the Champions League dependent on a court hearing for the next two seasons, Guardiola has never been so open to her European ambitions.
When asked about the lack of a preseason between campaigns as the final stages of the Champions League will take place while the Premier League is at rest, City’s manager smiled and said it would be good because it would mean that they would go all the way went in competition.
A coach who usually refuses to speculate over the next few games has repeatedly referred to Real Madrid in the past few weeks, and confirmed with Liverpool as Premier League champions, the realignment of priorities has been completed.
The remaining league games are used to confirm a top 4 result. However, since the team should be able to do this with little difficulty, efforts are being made to ensure that they are as ready as possible for the return leg of their last final -16 clash.
Even the FA Cup, Guardiola said after the quarter-final victory over Newcastle, would serve as preparation for the knockout competition, which is now finally recognized as a golden goose.
Since the competition will culminate after the completion of the national leagues and will not be held at the same time, and with a place for the final stages, this year is the best year for gambling in the city – especially if part of its ban is observed.
The club knows it and after the official title race Guardiola is happy to say it.
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