Pep Guardiola assessed at a press conference, in the run-up to the FA Cup quarter-final match against Newcastlehe Champions draw that has paired his Manchester City with Real Madrid. “We have no other option. It seems like a small tradition, three years in a row playing against the kings of the competition. I hope we arrive at a good time. You can’t control the draw, if people say it’s easy it’s because you underestimate the rival. The second leg at home is what it is…” said the coach.
It seems like a tradition to play against Real Madrid
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City coach
In the last five seasons, The ‘sky blues’ have crossed paths with Madrid on four occasions, three in a row They beat them in the 2019-20 round of 16 (wins at the Bernabéu (1-2) and at the Etihad (2-1), they fell in the 2021-22 semifinals (victory (4-3) at home and defeat (3-1) away) but they spent last season (a draw (1-1) in Madrid and a win (4-0) in England in the second leg) on the way to the first ‘Orejona’ in City history. Now , the balls match them again in the Champions League.
Guardiola also spoke about De Bruyne’s physical condition, missing against Newcastle: “He feels good but he’s not ready. He played at Anfield with some problems he is improving, we spoke with Belgium and we hope that he recovers for the rest of the season.” The City coach also confirmed that Grealish “is getting better and better” and that “he has returned to the group” .
Praise for Ortega
Pep praised Ortega, who will replace the injured Ederson: “Since he arrived at City, he has shown performances of incredible quality. We are delighted with the three goalkeepers. When it was his turn to play, he did incredible…”.
2024-03-15 13:51:10
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