- Colin Cranmer
"It was the end of the world but here we are again" - Pep Guardiola pre Real Madrid Press Conference
Pep Guardiola spoke to the press in Madrid ahead of Manchester City's Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu - topics discussed were City's exit last season against the same opposition, how close the club are to winning the competition, and whether the blues are looking for revenge for last season's dramatic exit at the hands of the eventual winners.
Last season's game (there's a lot on this):
"It was tough obviously but at the end we make an exceptional game in Manchester. Really good here, not exceptional - but, it was not enough. We congratulate them and accept it."
"We arrive here with encouragement. The way we play was really good. We are not here for revenge just another opportunity. One day we will win it [the Champions League]. We come here this season to do it. It didn't happen last year because we played Real in this competition."
"We were prepared last year too. We are the same managers, mainly same players but completely different games. The difference is the second leg is at home, everything will be decided in Manchester."
"It is quite similar to last year. We are still fighting for the Premier League. You have to perform to reach the final and we did it. We played exceptionally at home. It was okay here and could have been better. Football is ninety five minutes. We congratulate Real and now we are back."
"We are not here for revenge, just an opportunity. We get what we deserve. We did everything more than everything but that is football and it is not enough. We need to be better. The lesson is not to come here for revenge. We need to give the opportunity to reach the final in Manchester."
Progression:
"Seven years ago we wanted to win the Champions League. Last season it was the end of the world, but here we are again. There are clubs who do crazy things to win the Champions League. Being stable is the most important thing. Winning it is important - we wanted it last year. Barcelona had to take a lot of time to win it. Important thing is we are trying to get better every year. In the Premier League it is so difficult to qualify for Champions League."
"I have the feeling that after winning the first Premier League we wanted the Champions League. In two games we are trying to do a good one and that is what we have to do."
Written by: @colgeogcra
Some quotes as quoted by Manchester Evening News and Manchester City.
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