MADRID, 14 Apr. (SportsFinding) –
The manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, recognized that Atlético de Madrid passed them “over” in the second half this Wednesday (0-0), but they were “lucky enough” to be in the semifinals of the Champions League, despite the fact that he did not like having to defend himself and reduce balls in the Metropolitano.
“They pushed us a lot, they had a great second half. We forgot to play and we were in trouble. The first half was very good and then we had to adapt because we didn’t have the ball. We didn’t play with intention, we’re not used to these rounds, We played under pressure and a brilliant Atlético team. We’re in the semi-finals, which is very incredible for our club”, he stated.
The City coach, who did not say not to speak “of the referee or the rival” due to the controversial actions and the brawl of the last minutes that lasted in the locker room tunnel, recalled that he had already warned that the return to the Wanda would be very demanding. In addition, Guardiola denied any criticism of Simeone or Atlético.
“I didn’t expect anything else, it would be a different game, I said it. We talked about it at half-time, that the worst was coming, with our fatigue from the Liverpool game and in the second half they overcame us, but in the first leg and In the first half we were at our level. In the general calculation, we deserved to go through. They gave everything and if they had scored we wouldn’t be in the semi-finals”, he stated.
“We were lucky enough to get through. Atlético was brilliant, I didn’t like defending like that in the second half, but we had no choice. When they have these moments, this stadium and these people are unstoppable. ‘Cholo’ can play like want, I have always appreciated this institution. It is football and there is no more”, he added.
Finally, Guardiola explained that for the meeting with Real Madrid, rival in the semifinals, they will have to avoid the version of the second part of this Wednesday. “If we play like the second half, we have no option. It’s Real Madrid, the king of this competition, there will be times when we’re going to suffer,” he concluded.