Josep Guardiola will be targeting one of the masterminds behind one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history this week as Real Madrid host Manchester City in the second leg of their last-16 clash.
Josep Guardiola has issued a brutal warning to his side (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola has told players who do not believe they will be able to return to play against Real Madrid to stay at home during the match. The Premier League side have a big task ahead of them as they welcome the Spanish giants to the Etihad this week.
Federico Valverde scored a hat-trick for Madrid, with City trailing 3-0 after the first leg at the Bernabéu. But Guardiola said no one should think they are already eliminated and has told players who think that way not to even come to the game.
“If they don’t believe, that’s a problem. They’re adults. They’re paid well. They’re paid well,” Guardiola said after the weekend’s draw with West Ham United.
“If they don’t believe in it in the Champions League, go home, stay at home. We have to try. What do we have to lose?”
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“Madrid have never gone back in history? I don’t know how many times, but 50 games in the Champions League, never coming back from 3-0 down? Of course it’s a tough result. But out of respect for the people, respect for the fans and for our job, we have to strive, right?”
Guardiola was not the only one to issue a warning to City’s dressing room. Spanish midfielder Rodri, who has been linked with a move to Madrid, believes a return is possible.
“Of course (we can reverse the draw against Real Madrid). We have to be more clinical and take a step forward in that respect, yes.”
City trailing 0-3 after the first leg (Image: Getty Images)
“I think we have everything else. The style of play, the ability to create chances… It’s true that we weren’t able to do that the other day, but we have an important game on Tuesday so we have to reinvigorate the team. Above all, the team has to create.”
He added: “We learned a lot from the first leg, but the Champions League is played on two legs. There is still a second leg to go. We need to analyze what went wrong, correct it and, above all, put the ball in the net.”
City’s Champions League hopes seem remote, but their chances of winning the Premier League this season are also diminishing. Guardiola’s side ended up in a stalemate with West Ham at the weekend, leaving them nine points behind Arsenal, but the Gunners managed to beat Everton in the closing stages.
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