“I learn to enjoy the moments”, Pep Guardiola Clarifies Manchester City’s Stance On Taking On An English Opponent In The UCL

Pep Guardiola has clarified the fact that Manchester City is not afraid of drawing a Premier League side in the following rounds of Champions League despite their chequered past as three of their four exits from the campaign came at the hands of English teams.

Despite sharing the spoils of war against Sporting Lisbon at Etihad, their lead in the first leg was convincing enough to send them through to the following rounds.

Amongst the English clubs, Liverpool has already made the cut for the quarters, thanks to Inter Milan whose rashness left them short of what could have been a miraculous turnaround. Manchester United may also follow suit as they are currently tied 1-1 with Atletico Madrid after Anthony Elanga’s late strike nullified Joao’s flying header in the wee minutes of the game.

This is what Pep Guardiola had to say about the English scare in the Champions League

Chelsea is also in the line to qualify for the quarters as they take on Lille for the second leg. Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic were on target for the Blues as the two teams met in the first leg.

When Manchester City’s German boss was asked whether he is scared of facing English clubs, he very clearly asserted the fact that the Cityzens have no fears whatsoever.

He was heard citing, “It’s difficult for us and them too and for opponents from other countries. We are in the last eight and we’ll prepare well and next Friday we’ll see the draw. It’s an honour as important teams are out.”

Manchester City, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Bayern Munich have already advanced to the quarters and will be joined by the winners of the remaining quarter-finals.

Guardiola further added, “The four teams in the last eight already are not bad at all. Now we are again in the quarterfinals as the best eight teams in Europe. I learn to enjoy the moments. I celebrate it because I know how difficult it is. When you go through every opponent is difficult. Now it’s time to congratulate everyone, focus on the Premier League then next week we will see the draw.”