Pep Guardiola expressed his relief at finally winning the UEFA Champions League trophy with Manchester City last season. He reflected on the pride he felt when City clinched the title, emphasizing the difficulty of competing in the Premier League while also acknowledging the significance of being crowned champions of Europe. Guardiola believes that despite their recent success in the Champions League, City is still relatively new to European competition and continues to learn and improve with each game.
Ahead of the quarter-final match against Real Madrid, Guardiola revealed his approach to preparing for high-stakes games, emphasizing the importance of being courageous and strategic. He highlighted the club’s growing experience in Europe and the lessons learned from each match. City famously defeated Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals last season before going on to secure their second Champions League title by beating Inter Milan in the final in Istanbul. Guardiola now trails Real Madrid manager Ancelotti by only one Champions League title and praised the Italian manager for his success and experience.
Rodri, who scored the decisive goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, reflected on the significance of being the defending champions in this year’s competition. He emphasized the importance of mentality and legacy in maintaining success and overcoming challenges in games. The midfielder pointed to the example set by Real Madrid in their ability to handle pressure and mentioned City’s aim to follow suit as defending champions. The team’s mentality and approach are key factors as they enter the latter stages of the Champions League.
Fans can watch the Real Madrid vs. Manchester City match on TNT Sports through various TV platforms, including coverage starting at 19:00 UK time. Subscriptions to TNT Sports can be made through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media. The match is part of TNT Sports’ lineup of premium live sports rights, featuring major competitions such as the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Rugby, MotoGP, and more. Fans can also enjoy a subscription to discovery+ for access to TNT Sports, Eurosport, and entertainment content in one convenient destination.
Guardiola and Ancelotti share a mutual respect for each other, with Guardiola acknowledging the older manager’s success and experience. Despite their achievements, Guardiola expressed contentment with his career so far and noted that he has accomplished everything he dreamed of. The focus remains on continuous improvement and growth for both himself and the team as they navigate the challenges of elite European competition. Guardiola’s approach to coaching and managing his team reflects a balance of ambition and humility, with a desire to learn and adapt to new experiences.
As they gear up for the clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, Guardiola and his team are focused on maintaining their success and mentality as defending champions. With lessons learned from past matches and a strong sense of pride in their achievements, City enters the competition with a sense of determination and readiness to face the challenges ahead. The ongoing growth and experience of the club in European competition provide a foundation for future success and continued development as they navigate the competitive landscape of elite football.
