Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has brushed off the notion that winning the Champions League is crucial for his legacy, asserting that his tenure at the club has already been exceptional. Meanwhile, defender Kyle Walker believes that City owes it to their owners to claim European glory.
Guardiola, who has guided City to the brink of their fifth Premier League title in six seasons, has yet to lift the coveted Champions League trophy during his seven-year tenure at the Etihad. Despite the team’s success in domestic competitions, European triumph has eluded them. As City prepares for the second leg of their semi-final against Real Madrid, poised at 1-1, Guardiola expressed his satisfaction with his current legacy, stating, “My legacy is exceptional already. I’ve been here many times already. The legacy is that we have had one hell of a time.”
The Spanish manager highlighted the accomplishments of his team, emphasizing their goalscoring prowess, defensive solidity, and numerous victories. Guardiola acknowledged that people should remember this era of success, regardless of whether they ultimately secure the Champions League trophy. He concluded, “Whether or not they will remember us or not, I don’t know, but we have had a good time.”
On the other hand, Kyle Walker believes that after 12 consecutive years of participating in the Champions League, it is high time for City to lift the prestigious trophy. Walker drew a comparison with cross-town rivals Manchester United, highlighting their extensive trophy haul. He emphasized the club’s debt to the owners, who have made significant investments, stating, “The club is missing the Champions League, and the owners and the amount of money they have pumped into this club and the investment they have done, we owe that to them.”
Reflecting on their loss in the Champions League final against Chelsea in 2021, Walker expressed the team’s desire for redemption, acknowledging that their performance fell below expectations. Victory over Real Madrid in the current campaign would position City as favorites to claim the coveted European prize, completing a historic treble. Guardiola acknowledged the importance of the upcoming match, stating, “We’re not stupid, we know how important this game is. It is maybe one of the most important games since we came together here.”
Guardiola also addressed the criticism of his tactical tinkering, denying that he would make any major changes but suggested a more fluid style of play. He expressed his desire for City to perform at their best and emphasized the need for the players to maintain their usual approach. Guardiola admitted to having lost seven out of ten semi-finals in his career, but his only wish is for the team to be true to themselves.
Looking back at last season’s clash against Real Madrid, where City won the first leg but faltered in the return leg, Guardiola expressed his preference for a similar performance in the upcoming match, but he remained uncertain if it would materialize. The second leg against Real Madrid holds significant importance for City’s aspirations in the Champions League, and Guardiola is focused on his team delivering their best performance.
