Guardiola: “To beat Madrid in this competition, you have to be much better”
“I know from experience how difficult it is to play here,” Bernardo Silva said in the Bernabéu press room.
Pep Guardiola and Bernardo Silva spoke to the media in the Bernabéu press room the day before the Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City. The Premier League side's boss said this: “I know who we're up against tomorrow. To beat Real Madrid in this competition, it's not enough to be better, you have to be much better.”
"It's a very long competition. In December, it's all about qualifying. It's best to be among the top eight and get to the knockout stages in good shape. Last year, we were in very poor shape, with many injuries, and we were knocked out very early, deservedly so.”
“Xabi Alonso and I worked together for two and a half years and it was incredible. We shared many things. Every team is different, every situation is different, and Xabi knows exactly what he has to do.”
Bernardo Silva: “I expect Real Madrid to be strong”
“In my experience, it's never easy to come to the Bernabéu and play against Real Madrid. I've played against this team five or six times. I've been here at better times and worse times, and it's always been difficult. In this competition, the team's current form matters little. These players raise their game when it's a big match. I expect Real Madrid to be strong, and I know from experience how difficult it is to play here.”
“I've played against Madrid a lot without Mbappé and they've always been a strong side. We need to focus on ourselves, not them. I've played against Madrid many times, winning some and losing others. Tomorrow's game will be a good test for us and we want to be well prepared. It's a very important and exciting challenge.”