Pep Guardiola: ‘Minimal’ likelihood of Man City eliminating Real Madrid
MADRID — Pep Guardiola stated that Manchester City have “not much” chance of reversing their Champions League matchup against Real Madrid following a 3-0 loss at Santiago Bernabeu.
City were taken aback by a 22-minute first-half hat trick from Federico Valverde, which has left their hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals precariously low ahead of the return leg at the Etihad Stadium next week.
– Madrid impressed by one of the ‘best on the planet’ Valverde
– Valverde’s hat trick shines as Madrid outclass Man City
Guardiola’s squad received a sliver of hope when Gianluigi Donnarumma saved a penalty from Vinícius Júnior in the second half.
<pWhen asked about City's chances of progressing to the quarterfinals, Guardiola remarked: "Now, not much."
“Of course we’re going to try. We will analyze what to improve and be more proactive in the final third and we will attempt to do so.”
Prior to the match, Real Madrid’s head coach mentioned that Guardiola would surprise with his lineup, and the City manager complied by starting Jérémy Doku, Savinho, and Abdukodir Khusanov.
He also shifted Nico O’Reilly from midfield to left-back, and it was the 20-year-old who erred on Valverde’s opening goal by misreading a long ball from Thibaut Courtois.
Guardiola replaced Savinho at halftime with his team trailing 3-0, and later felt compelled to justify his team selection.
“How many times has Nico O’Reilly played left back this season? How many times?” the City manager responded to inquiries about whether he made a mistake with his choices.
“The only adjustment was Khusanov in that position because Vinícius arrives in those areas and you need to manage that.
“I rotated in Newcastle with 11 different players and it went well, so understand what I’m saying.
“Part of this was for wingers to attempt to drop back and players in the middle to find space close to the box, controlling the striker and second striker with experienced, quick players behind.”
