Pep Guardiola knows that his Manchester City side, who are competing in the UEFA Champions League semifinals for just the third time, cannot compete with the history of their opponents, Real Madrid, who are making their 31st appearance.
Guardiola insists that none of that will matter, however, come kick off time tomorrow night at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid Champions League Semifinals FYIs
Kickoff: 8pm GMT Tuesday, April 26, The Etihad
Team News: Manchester City Real Madrid
Starting XI Predictions: Manchester City Real Madrid
After Extra Time Podcast: Spotify Apple
How to watch: BT SPORT (UK), DAZN (Canada), TUDN, Paramount+ (USA)
Odds: Manchester City (-215) Real Madrid (+550) Draw (+360)
“They have been here many times,” Guardiola said at his press conference earlier today.
“The history is there and we cannot change it, but it’s 11 vs. 11. The players will decide. We are playing a team who have been here many times, that is why they have this — and we don’t.
“We can’t imagine what is going to happen but it is 11 vs. 11. Move players, how strong they are mentally, that will make the difference. Carlo [Ancelotti] and myself won’t win it. Players are the reason why.”
Manchester City Team News
The Cityzens’ absences, especially in defense, are notable as Joao Cancelo is suspended for this one while Kyle Walker (ankle), Nathan Ake and John Stones (muscular injuries) are all struggling to pass late fitness tests.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Bank (TheSportsBank.Net) and author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” as well as “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He has regularly appeared in WGN, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune, and co-hosts the After Extra Time podcast. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.