As anticipation builds for the latest Champions League meeting between Manchester City and Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola stepped in front of the media with a calm, composed outlook and even shared a few ...
As anticipation builds for the latest Champions League meeting between Manchester City and Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola stepped in front of the media with a calm, composed outlook and even shared a few words of guidance for Xabi Alonso.
With both managers facing enormous pressure, Guardiola openly addressed several sensitive topics, including Real Madrid’s form, the expectations at major clubs and the demanding environment surrounding this fixture.
When asked about those suggesting Real Madrid look vulnerable heading into the match, Guardiola dismissed the idea outright.
“That’s their opinion. I don’t agree, but it’s their opinion,” he began saying as per Mundo Deportivo.
Thoughts on Xabi Alonso
The conversation naturally shifted toward his former player and colleague, Xabi Alonso.
Guardiola spoke warmly about their time together and the difficulties that come with managing clubs of such magnitude. Reflecting on their shared past, he noted,
“We worked together for two and a half years, and it was incredible. We shared a lot of things.
“But Barcelona and Real Madrid are the most difficult clubs to coach, because of the pressure and the environment.
“It’s been a difficult season and everything revolves around winning.And when you don’t win, you know what happens.
“It happened to me last season. But Xabi is capable of pulling this off.”
Transfer of power at Real Madrid
He was also asked to break down the power structure within Real Madrid, a topic often surrounded by speculation. Guardiola carefully navigated the question, saying,
“I’m not on the inside, so I don’t know if they are or not. But it depends. In the end, hierarchy is power.
“If the directors want to give it to the coach, he’ll have it, and if they want to give it to the players, they’ll have it.”
When pressed on who actually controls that power, he avoided making headlines, adding, “That’s a question you know better than I do. It’s a question for yourself.”
Alonso’s future at Real Madrid
Guardiola has spoken in favour of Xabi Alonso. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The future of Xabi Alonso was another recurring theme. Guardiola was diplomatic, recognising the pressure but refusing to speculate. He said,
“You ask me about Xabi’s future and I only wish him the best, because of the high regard I have for him.
“But I don’t know the answer. You know the reality; I’m far away and I don’t live here.”
When pressed to offer advice to Alonso, Guardiola delivered a characteristically sharp and humorous answer.
“Do what you want. And since you’re not going to piss away your money, you’ll do well. You’ll see.”
Playing at the Bernabeu
He also touched on the mystique of playing at iconic stadiums such as the Santiago Bernabeu, stating,
“In Europe, there are important games and many big, special stadiums. Go to Camp Nou, Old Trafford… they all have their mystique. All stadiums are special.”
Finally, with speculation circulating about Alonso’s job, Guardiola emphasised that he is focusing only on his own team and the magnitude of the challenge. He clarified,
“All I can say is that I haven’t spoken to Florentino, nor has he told me that tomorrow will be his last game if he loses.
“You’re making a lot of assumptions, and that’s something we all do. But I understand that Xabi is in control of the situation.
“He knows what this game is all about, and I know who we’re up against tomorrow.
“To beat Madrid in this competition, it’s not enough to be better. You have to be much better. And that involves many things. Many things have an influence.
“Thinking about winning, doing our best, and being in good shape in February-March, because if we both go through, that’s when we’ll meet again, Madrid and City, because we always meet again,” He concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Category: General Sports
