2024-04-16
Pep Guardiola There is good news for the second leg of the quarter-finals Champions League vs Real Madrid.
The Spanish tactician confirmed the return of one of his key pieces, although he did not know whether he would be a starter or a substitute. Of course, he has already shown how to deal with Vinicius Jr. in the past.
About Kyle Walker: “I see in practice. He has done well in the last 2 or 3. I don't know if he will start on the bench, but I think he will be with us tomorrow. It is very important to us and we will decide whether it will be available at 4 pm today. We know how physical he is and how difficult he is for his opponents. He was not at the Bernabeu and the players did well. It is unlikely that they will be on the bench (Eck and Walker)”.
In addition, he confirmed that he has a complex game According to: “We have to be prepared, we don't know who is playing or how they are playing until before the game. We have to do better than the first game, they did well, we have to fix things.
And I might add: “This is Real Madrid. They are very dangerous. They know we're going into the game and we're going to try to beat them. Let's hope for a good game tomorrow. Ancelotti may spring a surprise. They fix things and this happens. “I respect Real Madrid a lot, but I'm not afraid of them.”
-Pep Guardiola Conference-
Is it less stressful than last year?
“I believe not, we need that pressure. If you think you've already done it… we won't have that extra. The hunger to compete in these games. We need to bring the right energy, we need our people. Sometimes it's impossible to dominate for 90 minutes. You will have to suffer “We are ready to perform at the highest level.”
What do you remember when you fired them with Barcelona in 2011?
“Real Madrid-Barcelona are games with a lot of pressure and tension. We have to let go of the past. Now everything is very difficult. “If we lose, we lose to Madrid and they deserve it.”
Team motivation
“We are far from those dreams, we have one or two games in the FA Cup, two points ahead in the Premier… but what is two points ahead? It's not done yet. Nothing has changed for me, there are 6 games left and we have to play game by game. After winning the FA Cup final last year, we are here to extend our stay…”
The complicated schedule goes to the end
“I'm used to it. Better to be here than not. You have to prepare everything and you will always find a place to make the right decisions.
What do you think of Bellingham?
“I think it shows that playing at a great club like Real Madrid is not very easy, and he has done it. At his age, I think he feels like he can handle the pressure very well. “He is an exceptional player.”
Return of the Walker
“I'll see in training. He's been good in the last 2 or 3. I don't know if he'll start on the bench, but I think he'll be with us tomorrow. It's very important for us and we'll decide if it's available at 4pm today. How physical he is and how We know how difficult it is for his rivals. He is not at the Bernabeu and the players who are on the bench (Aké and Walker) are impossible.
Differences with 4-0 matches
“Real Madrid had a good team last year. Benzema and Modric, who have moved in all positions, have played more, but his performances at the Bernabeu have been fantastic. When I say positive things about Real Madrid, people don't believe me. I always have a good image of them.
