Guardiola Expresses Mixed Feelings About New Champions League Format
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola shared his reservations about the new Champions League format following his team’s dramatic qualification for the knockout stages. Despite securing their place with a comeback victory against Brugge, the journey proved to be more challenging than anticipated.
Nail-Biting Qualification Journey
City managed to finish 22nd in the table, narrowly avoiding elimination by three places. “I would say I don’t like (the new format) because we suffer a lot,” Guardiola admitted, reflecting on his team’s struggle to win only two of their first seven games.
The Spanish tactician emphasized the valuable lesson learned: “We were on the perch, 45 minutes to be out. It is an incredible lesson for me and the players that nothing is for granted.”
Upcoming Challenges and Team Reinforcements
Looking ahead, City faces either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the two-legged knockout round. Despite the formidable opposition, Guardiola remains optimistic about his team’s prospects, citing upcoming reinforcements:
• New signings becoming eligible:
– Omar Marmoush
– Abdukodir Khusanov
– Vitor Reis
• Expected return of injured players
• Two weeks to improve team performance
Realistic Expectations Against European Giants
Guardiola acknowledged the challenging path ahead, particularly given City’s current fourth-place position in the Premier League. “One is the king of the competition, the other is the second or third king,” he noted, referring to Real Madrid’s 15 Champions League titles and Bayern Munich’s six.
Victory Highlights and Tactical Impact
The crucial win featured goals from:
– Mateo Kovacic
– Substitute Savinho
– An own goal from Brugge
Guardiola particularly praised Savinho’s impact: “The first half was so academic, we missed a spark, Savinho helped us. He changed the game, after five minutes created two or three corners.”
The manager’s passionate celebration, including kicking a drinks cooler after Savinho’s goal, demonstrated the emotional significance of the victory.
