“Real Madrid is the toughest team to manage”: Pep Guardiola’s stunning statement

Pep Guardiola delivers a harsh assessment of Real Madrid

“Real Madrid is the toughest team to manage”: Pep Guardiola’s stunning statement

Pep Guardiola did not shy away from the topic. On the eve of the Real Madrid vs Manchester City clash, the Catalan coach made a point of publicly supporting Xabi Alonso, who has come under fire due to recent results and is rumored to be on the chopping block. Speaking at a press conference, Guardiola emphasized just how demanding the Madrid job is:

“Real Madrid is the toughest team to manage. And he knows it. The pressure, the environment... Every season, it’s the same story.”

A message filled with respect for someone he once worked with at Bayern Munich.

🚨 Pep Guardiola 🇪🇸 : « 𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗗 𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗘 𝗠𝗘́𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗟𝗨𝗦 𝗗𝗜𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗟𝗘 𝗗𝗨 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗧𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗟. 🤯

Si j'avais obtenu les résultats que j'ai eus la saison dernière en tant qu’entraîneur du Real Madrid, j'aurais été limogé en 6… pic.twitter.com/1sP2my4BJF

— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) December 9, 2025

Clearly irritated by the relentless questions about the Basque manager’s future, Guardiola called for patience:

“Just four days ago they were leading La Liga… Building a team takes time, it’s a process.”

The Catalan also highlighted progress as the key to success, stressing that only teams capable of evolving over the course of a season can go far in the Champions League.

“Wednesday’s match could allow us to reach a new level on the European stage.”

But against the most decorated club in the competition’s history, he warns:

“We have to be much better, because just being better won’t cut it.”

A clear warning ahead of a clash that promises to be red-hot.