Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, maintains that the club remains apprehensive about facing top-tier European opponents in the Champions League. However, following his team’s smooth advancement to the quarter-finals for the seventh consecutive year, Guardiola issued a caution to formidable adversaries such as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, suggesting they should also regard City as a formidable opponent. Manchester City replicated their previous 3-1 victory over FC Copenhagen last month with another convincing win at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, securing a 6-2 aggregate triumph. Guardiola refuted any notion that the fixture was straightforward.
Despite progressing to the quarter-finals as the reigning champions, Guardiola confessed to harboring concerns about potential matchups against teams of the caliber of Real Madrid, PSG, or Bayern in the forthcoming draw. He remarked, “If you play against Bayern Munich, how many Champions Leagues they have and the history they have. We respect all of them, we are scared too. I don’t know if they are but we are.”
Nevertheless, Guardiola acknowledged City’s impressive track record in European competitions, underscoring their readiness for another quarter-final clash. He pointed to last season’s victories over Bayern Munich and Real Madrid as evidence of their capability. Guardiola emphasized the challenges inherent in each stage of the tournament, rejecting the notion that any opponent can be deemed easy. He emphasized the significance of maintaining high standards and recognizing the complexity of every encounter.
Reflecting on the club’s consistency in European competitions, Guardiola highlighted the need for continued dedication and support from the club’s management and players. He underscored the team’s progression through successive stages of the tournament as a testament to their competitiveness. Guardiola emphasized the respect the club holds for its opponents while conveying the message that Manchester City is a formidable force to contend with in European football.