MANCHESTER CITY
‘City are the favourites, but Madrid are never beaten’
We spoke to Howard Hockin of the Ninety Three Twenty podcast about Manchester City’s Champions League chances.
“We can’t deny it, we won all the titles except this one,” Pep Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday. “We want it.”
Last weekend Manchester City eased closer to a third consecutive Premier League title with a frictionless 3-0 victory over Everton. Another title this season would make it five in six seasons and City are already in the final of the FA Cup, playing an irresistible brand of football that saw them sweep aside title challengers Arsenal last month.
And yet, for all their success, there is still something missing in the club’s trophy cabinet.
On Wednesday City will host Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final clash. Guardiola’s team come into the game off the back of an incredible 11-match winning streak in the Premier League, while Madrid are limping to a distant second in La Liga.
But despite that apparent disparity Wednesday’s game between the two is too close to call. City might be the most impressive side in world football but Real Madrid have the most impressive history. Los Blancos, the reigning European champions, appear entitled to continental success in a way that can tilt ties in their favour and cower even the toughest of opponents.
Ahead of the second leg in Manchester we spoke to author and podcaster Howard Hockin of the independent Manchester City podcast Ninety Three Twenty about the game, Guardiola’s legacy, and Real Madrid’s Champions League know-how.
Here’s what he had to say...
What were your main takeaways from the first leg?
“I think the main takeaway was that I was watching two of the best teams in Europe, the pinnacle of Champions League football. It was a battle between two heavyweights, even if Real have been off the pace domestically this season.
“It felt like Pep Guardiola was happy to leave Madrid with a draw, as there was some caution in how City played. But I think there was enough evidence from the first leg to suggest the return leg will be a classic with many twists and turns.
“I was watching two of the best teams in Europe, the pinnacle of Champions League football”
“City must be considered favourites now… But Real Madrid are never beaten, and have showed they don’t even have to play well to win.”
Is this the best City team that you’ve seen?
“It’s hard to rank until the end of the season. We have seen Pep reinvent this City side at least twice, leading to three sides that were effective in different ways.
“Many blues will look back to the side that had Sterling and Sane rampaging down the wings and David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne weaving their magic centrally, plus the small matter of Sergio Aguero.
“I think this may be the best team though, which is crazy considering the issues Pep had with the squad after the World Cup. The best Pep side is not automatically the one with the best players, but the one he gets to operate the best with the system he utilises. And tactically, this side is as good as any before it.
Is it fair that Pep Guardiola is judged on European success?
“It’s both fair and unfair, if that makes sense. No manager can ensure their team wins a cup competition, especially the Champions League as it is often decided by fine lines, a mistake or a moment of brilliance.
“A league is a better barometer of excellence, and Pep has proved his worth in that respect. What’s more, City have gone out twice on away goals under Pep, so lost despite not being outscored by the opposition.
“The Champions League is often decided by fine lines, a mistake or a moment of brilliance”
“On the flip side, there are many who feel Pep has contributed to at least a couple of past exits, due to tactical errors and overthinking. The hope is that he has moved on from such days, and has belief in his squad to always win on the night.”
Who will progress to the Champions League final?
“Neither team can be complacent, but whoever wins on Wednesday are surely strong favourites to go on and win the final.
“City are rightly favourites, after avoiding defeat in the first leg, and their home record is almost impeccable for years in the competition. But Real Madrid know better than anyone to get through, somehow, and have the added bonus of resting much of their team at the weekend, although a few City players got a break too.
“All in all, it makes for a tantalising second leg. But while I expect the second leg to be more open than the first, I think City might just edge it on the night.”