In an exclusive interview, Pep Guardiola revealed that Manchester City’s triumph in the UEFA Champions League last season was a result of their ability to grow and learn from their past setbacks and disappointments.

In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, opened up about how his team has transformed into a force capable of winning the UEFA Champions League. The club, fresh off their triumph in the tournament last season, will continue their European title defence in Tuesday’s last 16 encounter against Copenhagen, which will be broadcast live on TNT Sports.

Guardiola revealed that City had come close to glory in previous years, reaching the final in the 2020-21 season and the semi-finals in the 2021-22 season. He explained that the heartbreak from those experiences had helped the team become accustomed to the demands of the tournament. Guardiola, who also managed Barcelona to two Champions League titles, acknowledged the difficulty of winning the prestigious trophy, especially for a team that had never won it before and lacked experience.

However, Guardiola expressed his belief in the growth of his players over the years. He compared their mentality now to when he first arrived at the club eight years ago, stating that they now have the confidence to compete on bigger stages against top teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid. Guardiola emphasized the importance of facing opponents without fear, while still respecting their abilities. He attributed this change in mindset to the team’s accumulated experience, defeats, and the pain they have endured in their journey.

City’s success in recent seasons, including reaching two finals and one semi-final in the Champions League, has been instrumental in their growth. Guardiola highlighted the lessons learned from the past and the team’s ability to adapt and improve. City is currently on track to replicate last season’s historic Treble, having already won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.

Despite their impressive form, Guardiola downplayed the chances of repeating the Treble, describing it as a “ridiculous percent” possibility. However, he assured that the team would fight to achieve it. He also acknowledged the challenges of the last 16 stage, which takes place two months after the conclusion of the group stage. Guardiola drew from his experiences at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, where he faced difficulties in the first game back after the group stage. He emphasized the importance of a focused mental approach and taking each step carefully to reach their goals.

For fans wanting to watch the Copenhagen v Manchester City match, TNT Sports offers coverage across multiple TV platforms. They have up to four TV channels and up to six digital or red-button channels available. The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 19:00 UK time on Tuesday, February 13. Subscriptions to TNT Sports can be obtained through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media. To find local establishments showing TNT Sports, fans can use the Pub Finder tool.