Pep Guardiola: 'Anyone who doesn't believe in overturning Real Madrid should stay home'

Coach Pep Guardiola sent a strong message to Manchester City players before the rematch with Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, insisting that the whole team must fully trust in their capacity to reverse the situation.

Coach Pep Guardiola sent a stern message to Manchester City players ahead of the rematch against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage. The Spanish tactician asserted that anyone who does not believe in the possibility of overturning the deficit should simply "stay home".

Manchester City is in an extremely difficult situation after losing 3-0 to Real Madrid in the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu. This result leaves the reigning English champions facing a nearly impossible task if they wish to continue their journey in this season's Champions League.

Manchester City's recent form does not offer much optimism. Guardiola's team has won only one of their last four matches across all competitions, including disappointing draws against Nottingham Forest and West Ham. A lack of sharpness in finishing and defensive errors are causing significant difficulties for the Etihad side.

Before the second leg, Guardiola straightforwardly demanded his players to maintain strong belief if they want to achieve a historic comeback. “If they don't believe, that's their problem. They are all adults and paid very well. If they don't believe in the ability to reverse the situation in the Champions League, they should best stay home,” the Spanish strategist emphasized.

However, history does not favor Manchester City. Real Madrid has won three of the last four encounters in the Champions League and has repeatedly eliminated English representatives in knockout rounds. Guardiola himself is facing a "first-leg curse" as he has failed to advance in all five recent ties after losing the initial match.

Nevertheless, Guardiola remains optimistic about his team's chances. He stated that Manchester City has nothing to lose and will fight wholeheartedly at Etihad. “We have to try. What do we have to lose?” Pep said.

Therefore, the second leg at Etihad is seen as the decisive moment for Manchester City this season. If they cannot create a miracle against Real Madrid, Guardiola's team will quickly shift focus to remaining objectives, including the FA Cup final against Arsenal this weekend.