Faced with the media on Monday, Pep Guardiola did not try to minimize the impact of Kylian Mbappé in the attack on Real Madrid. The Catalan coach was clear: “It is impossible to control these players. We will try to impose our game. ” An admission of size that highlights the respect that French genius inspires, now a centerpiece of the Madrid offensive system alongside Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.
“Impossible to control Mbappé”: Guardiola aware of the danger
Guardiola, however used to finding tactical solutions to the greatest, seems to recognize that the Real offensive arsenal, reinforced by Mbappé, represents an unprecedented headache. “Their ability to vary between short and long passes is exceptional. We will have to play our own game to hope to compete, ” he added.
In addition to his remarks on Mbappé, Guardiola returned to the delicate position of his team before this crucial match. Ranked 22nd in 24 at the end of the league phase, Manchester City did not benefit from the advantage of the home return match. “When you finish 22nd in 24, you cannot ask for favors. We have what we deserve, ” he conceded with a rare franchise.
Guardiola is wary a lot of Mbappé.
Despite these difficulties, the technician remains confident: “Our team has something special. I hope that tomorrow we can prove. ” A message of faith towards his players, even if he recognizes that consistency has not been there this season: “We can play well, but we are not as regular as in the past.”
An undecided duel despite opposite dynamics
If Real Madrid currently dominates La Liga, Guardiola knows that confrontations with the Merengues are still moments apart. “In recent years, we have had great rivalry with Real. But in terms of history, it is clear that we cannot compare ourselves, ” he admitted, in reference to the rich European history of the Madrid club.
With this first leg at home, Guardiola nevertheless hopes that the energy of Etihad Stadium will play in their favor, even if he recognizes that “It's always better to play the home return match, but we haven't deserved it this time.”
The meeting is made: Manchester City will have to deliver two perfect services to hope to dismiss a Real Madrid led by a Mbappé ready to shake Europe.
