Guardiola wants Man City to win over Bayern
"Man City go to Munich to face one of the most successful clubs in the Champions League," Guardiola said on April 18 at a press conference before the match at the Allianz Arena. "We're not here to defend our three-goal advantage. It's an 11-man 11-man game, and we want to do better in this particular game. Our approach is to try and win".
According to the Spanish coach, Man City prepares for the second leg in Germany by analyzing the victory in the first leg to see what can be done better, how to control the game as well as punish Bayern.
In the first leg at Etihad Stadium, Man City played more effectively than Bayern. Despite having less possession (46%), the Manchester club hit 14 shots - twice as many as Bayern, and scored three thanks to Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland.
Having led Bayern in the 2013-2016 period, Guardiola knew for sure that the old club would attack with full force and create suffocating pressure in front of the home audience. "I've been here and know their mentality. I know they believe they can go upstream to the semi-finals," the Spaniard expressed. "Man City are trying to build that mentality, that we will win no matter what. Bayern have that thanks to the history and we are growing."
When asked if City would cope with the pressure if they conceded first, the 52-year-old coach replied: "I'd say yes but I don't know. Every game is different. Bayern's attacking players have pace. unbelievable. We can't press the whole game in the same way. If done right, Man City will win, but I don't know what will happen."
Guardiola came to Man City in 2016 and won every domestic title, including four Premier Leagues, one FA Cup, four League Cups, and two English Super Cups. However, Man City's best performance in the Champions League was reaching the final in 2021, where they lost 0-1 to Chelsea because of Kai Havertz's only goal.
According to the Man City coach, it would be wrong to think about the results or what has been done in the past, and want the students to focus and play according to the plan set out at the Allianz Arena today. "That's how we've been talking for the past few days," he said.
Phil Foden has returned to training after an emergency appendectomy. Guardiola said welcoming the English midfielder back in the sprint was a boost for Man City and revealed Foden would be a substitute at the Allianz Arena today.
Sitting next to the Spanish teacher, Ilkay Gundogan was also cautious before the second leg. "The important thing is to find a balance," said the German midfielder. "We start every game with the goal of controlling the ball, winning, but we need to play stubbornly. We know from our own matches and experience in the past, anything is possible." .
Gundogan has been playing for Man City since 2016 and will expire in the summer of 2023. The 32-year-old midfielder said that neither he nor Man City have made a final decision, and the two sides will continue to negotiate in time. next.
