Pep Guardiola Press Conference: Man City vs Real Madrid UCL Preview
Spanish coach Pep Guardiola admitted he has "no specific plan other than trying" ahead of Manchester City's tough clash on Tuesday against visiting Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg, following a 0-3 first-leg loss.
City needs near-miraculous effort to overturn the three goals conceded in the first half of the first leg against the record 15-time European champions.
The obvious question: Can he turn the tables on the Royals? Guardiola replied: "No idea, I don't know. It's a football match, and a lot can happen. We must focus on trying to win, then see what unfolds. No specific plan other than trying."
Guardiola believes his team must play a "perfect match in every aspect," without reckless early attacks, adding: "It's easy to say, lads, score 3 in the first 20 minutes, but we need a sustainable strategy for the whole game."
He continued: "I'm not worried about chances we'll create—I'm confident in that at home. What concerns me more is defending."
Despite the "huge task," it's not impossible: "We must create positive momentum, deliver a good game relying on our players' talents, and defend properly."
Guardiola gave his players Monday off—unlike his usual pre-match routine—saying: "I've done it once or twice this season. It's not new."
City has played 4 games this month, latest a 1-1 draw vs West Ham on Saturday, allowing Arsenal to pull 9 points clear atop the Premier League.
City prepares for Arsenal in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.
