Manchester City title have been proven wrong – Pep Guardiola laments
After their agonizing Champions League exit to Real Madrid on penalties, City showed their mettle with a 1-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea, with Guardiola marveling at his side’s staying power after such a punishing fixture schedule.
In an interview, Pep Guardiola expressed that he feared Manchester City would be out of it at one stage due the pressure they were under in all competitions across Europe.
“We’ve played a lot of games, Madrid was really intense for many things. We were out of the Champions League having done really well and, after two or three days, we were tired here , Not just in the legs, it was complaining more they were tired here. These guys have three weeks off, one month, so not much rest to recover. People sitting in chairs say ‘Ah, I complain’. But I defend my players, I know what I’m talking about, much, much better than the people outside”.
“I know what I’m talking about, having seen my players for many years doing that. The human being does not have no limits, science says you need a certain time to recover many things, not just physically – mentally as well. And for many, many years, we don’t give them that but, despite that, still we are there. That’s why I say I’m really impressed but, all the time, I’m thinking ‘They will fall down’. This time I thought it would not be possible and still they make it possible. That’s why, when I reflect on my period here, I will always admire these type of players for many years, for finding a way to still be in it – this is unbelievable.”- he added
Despite City’s reign as European champions having ended, Guardiola said he would have signed up for their current position at the start of the season. Pep Guardiola is the only manager to win the continental treble twice, the youngest to win the UEFA Champions League, and he also holds the records for the most consecutive league games won in La Liga, the Bundesliga and the Premier League. He is considered to be one of the greatest managers of all time.
Story by : George Opoku Boateng . Ahotor FM. gopokuboateng@mail.com . X- Prekese GH
