Pep Guardiola: The Manchester City manager is confident as they prepare for the clash against Real Madrid, following what he described as their ‘worst performance’ in the first leg.

**Guardiola Reflects on City’s Champions League Heartbreak**

MADRID, SPAIN – Pep Guardiola, the head coach of Manchester City, faced the press following a disappointing Champions League outing against Real Madrid, labelling the defeat as the “worst game this year” for his side. The press conference took place at the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 18, 2025, where Guardiola’s frustration was palpable after his team squandered a late lead.

City had taken the lead with an Erling Haaland penalty just ten minutes from time, but their joy was short-lived. Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham turned the tide, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Guardiola did not hold back in his assessment, stating, “It’s the fourth time in a row we played the worst game this year.”

The City boss elaborated on the match, saying, “In the second half, they were better. When we scored the second goal, they were better again. After that, we were better, yet we still conceded the second and third goals. We have to adjust something, and we’ll see tomorrow.”

Looking ahead, Guardiola acknowledged the threat posed by Real Madrid’s attacking prowess, particularly from Kylian Mbappe, who had already found the net in their previous encounter in Manchester. “They have weapons up front to punish us,” he warned. “We know it’s impossible to control all the game and the actions that we have, but at the same time, we know we have to score and win games.”

Despite the setback, Guardiola remained optimistic, buoyed by a recent 4-0 victory over Newcastle that saw new signing Omar Marmoush net a stunning hat-trick. “It was just what we needed,” he said, reflecting on the performance that propelled City into the top four of the league. “We visualised that we can do it, and we played young players, which gives us hope for the future.”

However, Guardiola was cautious about expecting consistency from his new recruits. “I don’t know if Omar can consistently do it after those three goals. Every game is different,” he noted. “But it was perfect because we won against Newcastle. We are still there, fourth in the table, and we deserve to play against the champions in this competition.”

As City prepare for their next clash, Guardiola is set to face Carlo Ancelotti for the tenth time in the Champions League. The Italian manager, with five titles to his name, is a formidable opponent. “It’s always nice facing him,” Guardiola admitted. “It’s difficult, and he beats me most of the time. I have huge respect for Carlo for all he’s done in his career as a player and manager.”

For Guardiola, the rivalry with Real Madrid is particularly special. “It’s my biggest rival. Barcelona is my love, and Barcelona is their biggest rival. It’s always special for me to come to this stadium, to Madrid,” he concluded, hinting at the emotional weight of the upcoming fixture.

As the Champions League campaign continues, all eyes will be on Guardiola and his City side to see if they can rise to the occasion and overcome their recent struggles.