FC Manchester City News: Guardiola has told his squad to disregard their previous UCL final disappointment
According to Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s previous disappointments in European competitions and their achievements in domestic leagues will not affect the upcoming Champions League final on Saturday. He advised his team to concentrate on their individual performances.
Although Guardiola has achieved five Premier League titles, four League Cups, and two FA Cups with City, he has not been able to secure European success as he did twice during his time as head coach for Barcelona.
Manchester City has never been victorious in the top-tier European club competition. They were defeated by Chelsea in the final in 2021. However, they are expected to win against Inter Milan this week and achieve a remarkable treble, having already won the Premier League and FA Cup.
“It is a dream to be here, two years ago we were there but in a different situation,” the Spanish coach told reporters ahead of the final in Istanbul.
“We are going to try to do our best as we know the final depends on how you behave over the specific 90 minutes. It is not about history – if they are better than us.”
“It is about what you have to do in 90 minutes to be better than the opponent. It doesn’t count what you have done in the group stage, quarter-finals, last season, Premier League or FA Cup. It is one single game.”
The manager of City expressed admiration for Inter’s defensive skills and overall organization, as they have only allowed three goals in six matches during the current Champions League knockout stage.
“What we are trying to do in the next few days is try to understand how to play with a lot of difficulties as it is not easy to attack the defensive system Inter use,” Guardiola said.
“So we will have to bring a lot of rhythm and be patient – we are not going to do it with three or four passes. We have to know the right tempo.”
“They have a good shape not just in how they defend but how good they are with the ball in the transition when they lead with the strikers. They have a really good process which starts with goalkeeper Andre Onana… so it makes our high pressing difficult.”
Guardiola mentioned that Kyle Walker is currently managing a back problem, after he had to leave the field due to limping in the 95th minute of City’s 2-1 victory against their rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
“Yesterday he was not good, today a bit better. We do not want to take risks so we will see,” Guardiola said.
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