Pep Guardiola says Manchester City remain “far away” from winning the Champions League even after a 2-1 comeback victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
City strengthened their bid to finish in the top eight of the group stage with the win, moving up to fourth in the standings after what was only their second victory at the Bernabeu. They face Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray after the New Year. The result has also seen City move into third-favourite in the outright betting with Sky Bet, behind Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Guardiola tempered expectations. “We are (far) away. Still, we are not ready. In February, we will be better. We have been here in the past, playing much than today, and we have lost. That’s football sometimes.” He praised the players’ effort and spirit but said there were “margins to improve.”
Guardiola added that several players were making their first appearance at the Bernabeu and that the squad is still a work in progress with many new signings. “Winning here, I have to be happy, especially in terms of points. We have 13 already, so it’s in our hands to finish in the top eight. That is the target. Winning here, after what happened in Leverkusen, has been good.”
He also warned about Real Madrid’s attacking threats. “Rodrygo, what a player. Vinicius, Bellingham and the pace they have up front is so dangerous and that’s why you cannot stay high. You have to be so committed in the way you have to defend. We lacked a little bit, but in general, the effort was extraordinary.”
Erling Haaland, talking to TNT Sports, hailed the importance of the win. “It’s difficult to come here and the game has loads of transitions. We could have had another goal. I was close on one in the second half, Jeremy [Doku] was close a few times but the game was a bit chaotic. We can’t really control it, which is difficult and it’s difficult to come here, so in the end, we’re super happy.” He added the victory was crucial after the defeat to Leverkusen and stressed the need to finish the group strongly to reach the top eight.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly under significant pressure after two wins from eight matches since early November. When asked whether the players are behind Alonso, Jude Bellingham told TNT Sports: “100 per cent. The manager has been great. I personally have a great relationship with him and I know a lot of the boys do too.”
Bellingham said the dressing room has held constructive conversations after a string of draws and that the squad remains committed. “No one is downing tools, no one complaining or moaning. We take it on the chin and keep fighting. We’re still trying to work it out within the changing room regardless of what goes on outside. One thing is how we’re managing games. Certain points where we have to suffer it feels like we always concede and it puts us on the back foot and makes us have to play a way we don’t want to. But in the changing room we have what we need to turn it around, we need maybe a bit of luck or maybe something we need to discuss internally. I have faith this season isn’t over just because we’re in a bad run of form.”