Pep Guardiola has stated that Manchester City’s chances of advancing against Real Madrid in the Champions League are merely “one percent.” After a recent 4-0 victory over Newcastle, Guardiola noted the team’s struggles this season, including a poor league position and a defeat in the first leg against Real Madrid. However, new signings like Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov could provide a boost as City seeks to overturn the deficit against a faltering Madrid side.
Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has expressed that the team’s chances of moving forward against Real Madrid in the Champions League playoff’s second leg on Wednesday evening (starting at 9 PM) stand at just “one percent.” The focus is now on the recent acquisitions.
‘If you were to ask me how likely it is for us to progress at the Bernabeu, I would say it’s probably one percent.’, Guardiola remarked during the press conference following his team’s 4-0 triumph over Newcastle last weekend.
Guardiola on City’s Recent Struggles
While Guardiola is often noted for his generous praises of rival teams and a tendency to downplay his own circumstances, his remarks reveal a significant shift in Manchester City’s self-perception in recent weeks. Their title hopes in the league are dim, with a 16-point gap behind leaders Liverpool, leaving them just above Bournemouth and behind Nottingham in fourth place. Furthermore, the Champions League outlook appears grim after finishing 22nd in the group stage and suffering a 2-3 home defeat in the first leg against Real Madrid.
Eight teams are set to qualify for the Champions League round of 16 this week, with most of the second leg playoff matches expected to be tightly contested.
‘But, of course, there is still a chance – and we will give it our all. That’s our approach.’ Guardiola added. ‘If we had consistently performed in the Champions League like we did against Newcastle, we wouldn’t have ended up finishing 22nd. The reality is that we have struggled in many matches this season.’ The frustration and realism in Guardiola’s tone highlight a challenging period he has never faced in his renowned coaching career.
First Leg: A Glimpse of Hope for Manchester City
Overturning a 2:3 deficit in the second leg at Real Madrid is undoubtedly a daunting task, historically assessed at a mere one percent probability, especially for a team experiencing one of its weakest phases in years.
However, for the Citizens, the scenario is not entirely bleak. They had a lead in the first leg until the closing moments, only for Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham to turn the tide with goals in the 86th and 90+2 minutes, capitalizing on mistakes from City’s defense. While City may not have dominated, they certainly had the opportunity to secure a victory.
New Signings: Marmoush, Khusanov, and ‘Mini-Rodri’
Following their convincing win against Newcastle, where Omar Marmoush netted a hat-trick, the squad is looking promising. Additionally, two other winter signings showcased their potential for the starting lineup against Madrid: 20-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov delivered an impressive performance in defense, a player acquired for 40 million euros from RC Lens. With the fitness concerns surrounding Rúben Dias and Nathan Aké, along with Manuel Akanji’s injury, Khusanov’s presence could be crucial in the upcoming match, marking a significant milestone in his early career.
Moreover, the addition of Nico González could prove vital for the long-term strategy. With Rodri sidelined, City has lacked a strong defensive presence in midfield. Recently signed for 60 million euros from FC Porto, the 23-year-old, trained at Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy, debuted impressively. Guardiola’s affectionate nickname for him as ‘Mini-Rodri’ suggests he might play a key role in the upcoming clash.
Real Madrid’s Recent Form
For Manchester City fans seeking a silver lining, Real Madrid’s current form might offer some hope. Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is experiencing a slump, having not secured a win in their last three league matches, which has diminished their once-clear lead in the title race. Despite being favorites to advance after the first leg, an unexpected exit could have significant implications for the reigning champions, raising concerns about a title-less season as early as February.
If Pep Guardiola’s recent signings can conjure up the ‘one percent miracle’ this Wednesday, it could dramatically reshape the trajectory of City’s season.