Manager Pep Guardiola has shared his thoughts on Manchester City’s upcoming clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League, highlighting the experience and quality of the opponent.
City will travel to Madrid to play the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, and a week later they will host the Galacticos at the Etihad.
After the draw, Guardiola admitted that it will be difficult but believes that City will only become stronger in these encounters.
“If you play often against elite clubs in Europe — and no one can deny that Madrid is one of them — it gives you experience, prestige and knowledge of how to manage.”
“The more you play with the big teams, the stronger you become as a team.”
“I have no doubts. For example, if you lose against a team, the more you play against them, you will learn how to win.”
Guardiola warned that the challenge will be very difficult, recalling the history of the Spanish rival.
“In the end it will be a really difficult match, but since I was a player and coach at FC Barcelona, at Bayern Munich and here, Madrid has always had exceptional players.”
“There’s no doubt about it. It’s different because before it was Xabi Alonso, now it’s Alvaro Arbeloa there.”
“We’ll see in about two weeks when we have the game, but now it’s Elland Road, then Nottingham Forest in midweek, then the FA Cup and then after Newcastle we’ll have time to think about Madrid.”