Guardiola: 'Going into the field with the mindset of revenge on Real is a mistake'

Spain Before the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals, coach Pep Guardiola emphasized that Man City did not aim to avenge the loss to Real in the 2021-2022 season.

"It would be a mistake to try to seek revenge. We are not here for revenge, but just another opportunity," Guardiola said at a press conference on May 8. "After a year, we return to the Bernabeu and we don't have to worry about the past."

In last season's Champions League semi-finals, Man City won 4-3 in the first leg at the Etihad and led 1-0 in the second leg at the Bernabeu until the last minute. However, a brace from substitute Rodrygo Goes in the final minute and a Karim Benzema penalty in extra time saw Man City eliminated.

Guardiola consoled his student Phil Foden after Man City lost 1-2 to Real in the second leg and 5-6 on aggregate in the semi-finals of the 2021-2022 Champions League. Photo: PA

According to Guardiola, Man City played well in both matches, but not enough to advance and have learned many lessons. The Spanish coach wants his players to get a favorable result before the rematch at Etihad to gain an advantage in the final.

However, Guardiola also admitted that it was difficult to swallow the defeat against Real. "Last season's defeat was like the end of the world, but we overcame it and are here again," the 52-year-old coach said. "The important thing is that we try to improve every year. Man City still have the same team, but it is a completely different match. The difference is that the second leg is at home and everything will be decided in Manchester."

Guardiola has guided Man City to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for six consecutive seasons, but they have yet to win the title. Their best result was reaching the final in 2021, where they lost 1-0 to Chelsea thanks to a Kai Havertz goal. Meanwhile, Real have won ten titles in the last 10 years.

"One day we will reach the final and win it," Guardiola said confidently. "I don't want to win the Champions League and then go downhill forever. Consistency is the most important thing for a club, and Real are an example in this arena."

Sitting alongside Guardiola, Rodri again stressed his desire to avenge the 3-1 defeat to Real at the Bernabeu in the second leg of the semi-final and the 6-5 aggregate defeat last season. "Football gives you the option to take revenge," said the 26-year-old midfielder. "We have a philosophy that you can always learn from past experiences. We played two great games, but football is like that and we couldn't reach the final. We will try to learn from what we did not do well and continue fighting."

According to Rodri, Man City are in top form heading into the game against Real with a 10-game winning streak in the Premier League, with Erling Haaland a key factor in the team's tactical flexibility - rotating the squad. The Norwegian striker has scored 51 goals in 46 games in all competitions, including 35 in the Premier League, 12 in the Champions League, three in the FA Cup and one in the League Cup.

After the first leg at Bernabeu today, May 14, Man City will meet Everton in round 36 of the Premier League and then host Real at Etihad in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals on May 17.

Hong Duy

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