MANCHESTER City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted that his side are not driven by revenge as they face Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-finals tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Real Madrid defeated Manchester City at the same stage last season on their way to a record-extending 14th Champions League title, but Guardiola says he has accepted the result without bitterness as he continues his quest for City’s first continental title.
“We arrive here with encouragement. The way we are playing is really good. We are not here for revenge, just another opportunity,” the Spaniard said during his pre-match press conference in Madrid last night.
“One day we will win it. We come here this season to do it. It didn’t happen last year because we played Real in this competition.
“We get what we deserve. We did everything, more than everything, but that is football and it is not enough. We need to be better. The lesson is not to come here for revenge. We need to give the opportunity to reach the final in Manchester.”
Guardiola, who coached Barcelona to two Champions League titles in 2009 and 2011, led City to the final in 2021, when they lost 1-0 to Chelsea.
When asked whether Manchester City are closer to winning the Champions League, he replied: “Seven years ago, we wanted to win the Champions League. Last season, it was the end of the world but here we are again.
“There are clubs who do crazy things to win the Champions League. Being stable is the most important thing. Winning it is important. We wanted it last year but Barcelona had to take a lot of time to win it.
“Important thing is we are trying to get better every year. The Premier League is so difficult to qualify for the Champions League.
“I have the feeling that after the first Premier League we wanted the Champions League. In two games we are trying to do a good one and that is what we have to do.”
City were close to eliminating Real Madrid last season but conceded two late goals in the second leg in Madrid that took the tie to extra-time and Real eventually won 6-5 on aggregate.
Guardiola is hoping his side will be more fortunate this time.
“We were prepared last year too. We are the same managers, mainly the same players but completely different games. Difference is the second leg is at home,” he said.
“It is quite similar to last year. We are still fighting for the Premier League. You have to perform to reach the final and we did it. We played exceptionally at home. It was okay here and could have been better. Football is 95 minutes. We congratulate Real and now we are back.”
