Guardiola: We Acknowledge the Difficulty of the Match, But We Must Never Give Up
Monday 16-03-2026
Spanish coach Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, emphasized the importance of his players delivering a perfect performance in the anticipated match against Real Madrid, which will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, at the Etihad Stadium in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

Guardiola pointed out that his team does not have a specific plan, but the goal is to deliver the best possible performance and achieve a historic comeback, despite the difficulty of the task after losing the first leg 3-0.

Guardiola said: "We only play one match in the round of 16, and a lot can happen. I don't have a specific plan, but we will do our best. After all these years, you know what confidence we need. We are not the same team we were years ago, but it's a great opportunity."

He added: "We will train tomorrow. If we play well, we feel at ease, and if we lose, it's the opposite. I know we will be able to create opportunities, but it depends on the quality of our defense. It won't be easy, but it's a football match and anything can happen."

He continued: "Yes, without a doubt, we have to deliver a perfect match throughout the ninety minutes, we must never give up, we know we are capable of creating opportunities, and we have to be decisive."

Regarding the possibility of turning the result around, he said: "In many matches here, we score four goals, and that's not the problem. We are capable of that, but we need to repeat it. The quality of our opponents is high, and we have to run and work hard."

Regarding his previous experience with tough matches, Guardiola explained: "I remember the best comeback we achieved against Aston Villa, which helped us win the Premier League. We've had many comebacks, but we have to play a perfect game in every aspect to qualify. Defeats, even the painful ones, remain part of the game."

Regarding the lineup: "I already know the starting lineup. We will train tomorrow. I might have one doubt, but the rest is clear."

Regarding Kylian Mbappe's return with Real Madrid: "We'll see what happens, it's better to wait until tomorrow to see if he will play or not."

Guardiola concluded his remarks with a clear message to his players ahead of the anticipated match: "There isn't much to say, it's a final. We need to deliver a perfect performance to turn the tables. We've all matured now."

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