Cityzen Times 📰: Guardiola Reacts as Man City Set Up UCL Playoff with European Giants

Manchester City secured their place in the #UCL knockout play-offs with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Club Brugge at the Etihad Stadium. Despite a frustrating first half, Pep Guardiola’s side found their rhythm in the second, sealing the victory and setting up a showdown with either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. 💪🔵

Guardiola’s Touchline Frustration

It was a night full of emotion, with Guardiola even taking his frustration out on a Gatorade box on the touchline. When asked about it, he responded:

🗨️ “I’m fine! You’re so young, you don’t remember, but I was a really top player! I was really good!

“I was an incredible holding midfielder! I moved the ball quickly, but I was so slow—maybe that’s why I don’t like transitional football, because I couldn’t handle it.

“But I was really good! My feet are maybe the only part of my body that still feel safe…” 😆⚽️

#MCFC #UCL

A Night of Mixed Feelings for Pep

Despite the win, Guardiola acknowledged City’s struggles this season and the challenge that lies ahead:

🗨️ “Look at this season—we’ve lost a lot of games, yet we’re still fourth in the Premier League!

“We’re not in the title race with Liverpool and Arsenal, no way. But we’re still in the FA Cup, we’ve made it to the next round of the #UCL… and in two weeks, we’ll see what happens.” 👀🔵

The boss also made it clear that he expects City to improve before facing either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich:

🗨️ “We did it. We’re there. In two weeks, we’ll be stronger—players will return, new signings will help—and we’ll take on one of two giants. We’ll see what happens…” 💪🔵

#MCFC #UCL

Real Madrid or Bayern Munich—Who Wants City?

When asked about facing either Real Madrid or Bayern in the play-offs, Guardiola hinted that his side might not be the easiest draw:

🗨️ “I don’t know if they’re happy to play against us…” 🤷‍♂️😏

He also acknowledged the pedigree of both clubs:

🗨️ “Real Madrid is the king of the competition. Bayern Munich is maybe the second or third king…” 👑🏆

#ManCity #UCL

Squad Depth Concerns for Guardiola

With several injuries and an ageing squad, Guardiola is cautious about the demands ahead:

🗨️ “We are an old team—Kevin [De Bruyne] is 34, [Ilkay] Gundo is 33, Mateo [Kovacic] too—and we don’t have direct replacements, so they play a lot of minutes.

“That’s why we’re grateful for what Gundo has done, for Kova, and for Kevin coming back so quickly—that’s the reality.

“That’s why I worry about playing high-intensity games against Newcastle, Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brighton—they are miles ahead of us in that aspect…” 😬⚡️

However, he remains hopeful that the squad will be in better shape for the knockout rounds:

🗨️ “What I want in the next two weeks is Ruben [Dias], Nathan [Ake], the new signings, Jeremy [Doku], Oscar [Bobb]—everyone back, ready to compete.” 💪🔵

#MCFC #UCL

Can City Win the UCL? Pep’s Honest Answer

Guardiola was brutally honest when asked if he believes City can retain their European title this season:

🗨️ “Right now, no…

“But when we won it, I always believed we would. I’m pragmatic—the reality is the reality.

“Real Madrid have the experience. They may have struggled, but they’re back in form. Bayern are playing an incredible season under Vinny [Kompany].

“If we had to play tomorrow, it would be difficult. But in two weeks? Who knows? We’ll prepare well and be ready.”

#ManCity

Etihad Atmosphere: Pep Wants More From His Team

Guardiola acknowledged the importance of the fans but admitted City need to give them more to cheer about:

🗨️ “We have to give something to the fans; as much as they come, I love them! I always ask, ‘Please, come and support us!’

“But we have to do our part—we need to give them something. Tonight, we didn’t do enough…” 💙👥

#MCFC #UCL
#UCL