Pep Guardiola´s pre match presser a day before Manchester City face Real Madrid in Champions League

Pep Guardiola is back in Madrid for another Champions League tie against the winning side in the competition’s history. There have been some famous quotes and clips provided by the Manchester City manager both before and after his matches in the Bernabeu, and today he gave the world a preview of the latest edition of the European derby.

The match and the accumulated effort: “We play eleven against eleven, we want everyone to be fit, we play a lot of matches. It’s better to rotate, but it’s a different tournament, it’s the first match, and we want to get a good result.”

The atmosphere at the Bernabéu: “Emotions come into play when you play badly. They can play a role. It’s not our first time here, you never know what’s going to happen. Of course, good things can’t happen if you’re not playing your best. You have to face the opponent, look them in the eye, and go for it. Maybe you’ll win, maybe you won’t. That’s how it is in big stadiums against big teams. It’s 180 minutes; you have to manage the good times and the bad times.”

Newcomers at the Bernabéu: “The first time in this stadium is different. The new signings are starting to experience these situations, and we hope it continues.”

The team’s form: “We’re in better shape than we were before. We had a lot of injuries during the league, but these teams are very experienced. For many reasons, we’ll see what happens after the match.”

Do you expect any surprises from Arbeloa?: “Many surprises... It’s the first time against Álvaro, I don’t know. But we know each other well. He knows us, and there are adjustments we have to make because of his quality. But there won’t be any surprises.”

The Bernabéu: “When we play at Anfield, at Old Trafford, at the Camp Nou... You have to give it your all. They always try to distract you, but it’s a football match. I’d rather be there than not, of course, because it means we’re among the elite in Europe. For those of us who play here, it’s a learning experience for the future. We’ll give everything to advance. We want to continue making our history.”

City’s style: “We want to be proactive, have possession, and avoid the mistakes that are so costly in the Champions League... That’s what defines us as a team. You can’t be perfect for ten years; sometimes you have to start over with new players. But this is what we have. You have to figure out how you want to play, be aware that we can. Now we have to show that we are the best. If you’re not yourself... You might get lucky; that can happen in the Champions League. Sometimes you play horribly and still advance, but you have to stick to your own style.”

The path to victory: “Play better than your opponent. There are many factors in a match; football today is unpredictable, but you have to play better than your opponent. You always have to try. If you’re knocked out, let it be because you’re playing the way you’re meant to be. Sometimes it’s not possible because the opponent is better; that can happen. But you have to try.”

Real Madrid has changed coaches: “I haven’t met Álvaro, I don’t know him well. I only give advice to people I know; I’m not the one to give it. I have a good relationship with Xabi, but not with Arbeloa...”

Real Madrid: “They have similarities; every coach has their own style, they have injuries... But Real Madrid is always Real Madrid. There are only differences.”

A lopsided tie: “We’ll see next Tuesday. Last year we were in very bad shape. I’m not going to underestimate this club in this competition. Or any other team, for that matter; they all seem tough to me.”

Stopping Vinicius: “It’s difficult. Before, we had Walker. He’s a constant threat. We’ll try to stay very compact and track back, to keep him on his toes. Many times you can’t control him, we know that’s how it is. But we’ll try to impose our style of play and limit his involvement as much as possible.”

Mbappé: “Is my opinion important about him going to Paris? As far as I know, it wasn’t just… (laughs). It happens at our club too, I don’t think it’s meant as a slight. But I’m nobody to give my opinion on that.”

Fifth consecutive year against Real Madrid: “I can’t rely on how Real Madrid is doing; I don’t see them every day. I don’t know the reality. I rely on how we’ve been in recent matches. I have no other choice. Then what will happen will happen. It’s happened many times, it’s true… They treat us well, we eat well, we’ll have good dinners… And we know we have to be at our best.”

Favorites: “Without a doubt, Real Madrid are among the favorites for this Champions League. History speaks for itself; they’re used to playing these kinds of matches. But they’ll be facing a team eager to win and go all the way, to surprise everyone. We’re hungry, we know the atmosphere we’re going to find. It’s two matches to manage; we have to stay calm.”

His adaptation to the Premier League: “Above all, the feeling with my teammates. I do what I do best: make saves. But you have to understand that relationship with your teammates, their movements... Everything else has been very easy, thanks to all my teammates and the manager; they make me feel at home. It feels like I’ve been in Manchester for years. This is my greatest victory. I always try to help my team.”

City, a Champions League contender: “There are a number of teams that can win the title, there are many strong teams. If we talk about last year, before the round of 16, nobody considered PSG a strong contender. Everything can change, it depends on the moment, the form, the team... We have to manage the situations; we’re going into matches where you could be eliminated, and you have to take fewer risks, make fewer mistakes. Every little detail makes the difference. Then again, there are many who can compete for the title. We will try to go all the way.”

The dressing room welcome: “I have to thank all the team leaders for welcoming me, for allowing me to feel like a member of the team. It wasn’t easy at first, changing everything, but I feel very good. We have a lot of young players, I can help them out, I try. We’re a well-balanced team, we have great players who have won a lot and young players who can help us out.”

Mbappé: “I’ve been lucky enough to play with him, he’s one of the best in the world, an incredible talent. Not having someone like him in front of you can be an advantage, yes. You have less work to do. But those who replace him are champions, Real Madrid is a team of champions, and the attention will be the same. I’m a great friend of Kylian’s, I hope he recovers soon and can be back for the return leg. He deserves it.”

Courtois: “I have a great relationship with him; he’s undoubtedly one of the best in the world. I’ve always admired him, ever since his time at Milan. He’s always been at the top. I have so much to learn from a player like him. He’s given so much to the teams he’s played for. Hopefully, in these two matches, we can keep him busy and give us some space to score… He’s an excellent goalkeeper, and I try to learn everything from him, even his style of play, which is mentally uncomplicated. History shows that he’s been one of the best for a long time.”

A Real Madrid lacking hunger: “I don’t think Real Madrid lacks hunger. Playing for Real Madrid isn’t something just anyone gets to do. He deserves to be here, to wear this shirt. I don’t think they lack hunger. It’s been an up-and-down season, but we know that in the Champions League, they’re a different team. We’re prepared. We know we’ll be facing a young team, but one that’s eager to take Real Madrid to the end. It will be a difficult match; we have to prepare very well. But we have to know how to control our emotions; playing here isn’t easy. We have to manage situations.”

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