Pep Guardiola reveals feeling of ‘relief’ after Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League triumph.

In a thrilling turn of events, Pep Guardiola, the esteemed manager of Manchester City, has expressed his immense relief and pride in finally securing the UEFA Champions League trophy last season. This victory marked Guardiola’s third time as a European champion and was a monumental achievement for the club, as it was their first-ever Champions League title. The triumph came at the end of a remarkable treble-winning campaign, seven years after Guardiola joined the team.

As City prepares for their highly-anticipated quarter-final first leg clash against Real Madrid, Guardiola took a moment to reflect on the momentous occasion when his team clinched the trophy. He described a sense of relief, as he is often asked about City’s chances of winning the Champions League every time they compete. Guardiola believes that winning the Premier League or the domestic league title is actually more challenging due to the demanding schedule and tough competition. However, he acknowledges the significance of being crowned champions of Europe and the immense pride it brings.

Despite their recent success, Guardiola believes that Manchester City is still relatively new to European competition. He emphasizes the importance of remaining calm, having a solid strategy, and displaying courage when playing in iconic stadiums like the Bernabeu. Guardiola sees these games as valuable learning experiences for the club, himself, and the players, as they continue to gain experience and improve their performance on the European stage.

Last season, Manchester City defeated Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals to secure their spot in the final, where they ultimately triumphed over Inter Milan in Istanbul. Guardiola now finds himself just one UEFA Champions League title behind Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, having previously won the prestigious prize with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011. Guardiola speaks highly of Ancelotti, praising his exceptional qualities and successful managerial career.

When asked if he aims to emulate Ancelotti’s achievements, Guardiola expresses contentment with his career thus far. He believes that he has accomplished everything he dreamed of and feels grateful for the opportunities he has had. Guardiola does not wish for more from his life or career and appreciates the success he has already achieved.

Rodri, the hero of the Champions League final in Istanbul, reflects on the significance of being the defending champions as Manchester City enters the latter stages of the competition. He highlights the importance of the team’s mentality and the impact it has on their opponents. Rodri hopes that their championship status will help them navigate through challenging moments in games, drawing inspiration from Real Madrid’s success in recent seasons.

For fans eager to watch the upcoming clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2. Coverage begins at 19:00 UK time on Tuesday, April 9. TNT Sports is available on various TV platforms, and fans can also subscribe through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media. To find local establishments showing TNT Sports, fans can use the Pub Finder tool.