Real Madrid News
Guardiola analyses Man City’s chances of comeback vs Real Madrid: ‘We need the perfect game’
Real Madrid’s win over Elche at the weekend was dominant and keeps the momentum on their side ahead of a massive game midweek.
Having taken a 3-0 lead over Manchester City in the first leg, Los Blancos are in the driver’s seat in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
Tomorrow, they play the decisive second-leg away from home and will not have it easy as the Premier League giants will come out all guns blazing to chase and conquer the comeback mission.
Guardiola’s presser
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola refused to admit that the game was over when speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference and maintained full faith in his team.
“It’s a football game and a lot of things can happen. First, we have to focus on winning the game. I know my players will try, we are not the same group as years ago, but they are a fantastic group and they will try,” he began.
He then spoke on how there was little margin for error against a team of Real Madrid’s quality and how his side would be put to a real test on the night.
“Yes, we need the perfect match in many ways. In the first 20 minutes we should score three goals is a nice message, but what we have to do is play consistently throughout the game.”
Surprisingly, the manager gave his team a day off ahead of the clash against Real Madrid, and he defended his decision when asked about it by the media.
“Training more wouldn’t make us better. In today’s football, training more doesn’t make you better, I preferred the players to be at home today.”
“I’ve done it two or three times this season, it’s not something new,” he added on the routine.
Guardiola was then asked if it would be a failure for his team to be knocked out twice in two years before the quarterfinal stage, and he responded maturely saying,
“No team wins all the time. In this sport, you can be in great shape and still get knocked out. It’s happened to us many times, several of those against us (Real Madrid).”
“No athlete in history has won it all. In sports, you lose more often than you win. The next morning you wake up and life goes on. The important thing is to give it your best shot,” he added.
Guardiola also praised Real Madrid for their performance in the first leg and admitted that they deserved the solid lead.
“Madrid was brilliant in the first leg, and you have to accept that. Madrid has won 15 Champions Leagues in its history—how many has it played in? 100?”
“I haven’t seen a better team than Madrid’s ‘Quinta del Buitre,’ not even Cruyff’s Barcelona, and yet they didn’t win the Champions League. Was that a failure? That team did a world of good for football,” he added.
He was then asked where it would rank in his list of comebacks should Manchester City pull off the unthinkable tomorrow, and he said,
“No idea. It’s a round of 16.”
The Spanish tactician remained confident that his side had the calibre to pull off an upset and even handed examples of how they have done it in the past.
“I’m not worried that we create opportunities, because I know we will. We have to defend scoring three goals against Real Madrid and it’s not easy. It wasn’t the perfect result, but here we are.”
“In the 70th minute we lost 0-2 and we scored three goals in twenty minutes,” he added, remembering the team’s comeback over Aston Villa to win the Premier League in 2022.
Finally, he was asked what he made of Kylian Mbappe’s return to the squad, to which he said,
“I don’t know how it will affect. If Mbappe plays, better for them. I’ll see him tomorrow.”
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
