MADRID — Pep Guardiola has challenged his Manchester City players to face Real Madrid with no fear ahead of yet another Champions League showdown.
The Spanish giants have knocked City out of the competition in each of the last two seasons and four times in total.
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But depleted by injuries to key players including Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, Guardiola said his team must go toe-to-toe at the Bernabeu in Wednesday’s last-16 first leg.
“Try to face the opponent and don’t look much at the consequences,” said Guardiola when asked what advice he would be giving his players.
“If we are out, congratulate Madrid, but at least be who you are.
Pep Guardiola is leading Manchester City with another matchup against Spanish giants Real Madrid. Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
“That is always my concern in the biggest stages in March and April. Sometimes it is not possible because the opponent is better or you cannot impose what you want but at least try it.
“In this kind of competition that is so important. You never know what is going to happen, but for sure good things cannot happen if you are not who you are.
“You have to face the game with incredible respect, look in their eyes and this is who we are as a team.”
The game in Madrid on Wednesday will be the 16th meeting between the two teams since 2012 with the 17th coming in next week’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
City won 2-1 at the Bernabeu in the league phase in December, but were thrashed 6-3 over two legs in the play-offs last season.
Erling Haaland was one of the players unable to feature in Madrid last season, but Guardiola has almost a fully fit squad at his disposal this time.
“This season we have the squad,” said the City boss.
“Last season we arrived with a lot of fatigue and few players available.
“We have to prepare the game and we know that we have to give a top performance so that we can get to the second leg with our people [in Manchester].”
