Guardiola Praises Real Madrid and Atletico as Arsenal Prepares for UCL Clash
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola's lauded Real Madrid & Atletico Madrid for their performances in the UEFA Champions League describing them as “amazing” & “fantastic.”
Guardiola on UCL Drama
Speaking ahead of City’s Premier League match against Brighton, Guardiola addressed the controversy surrounding Julian Alvarez’s disallowed penalty during the Atletico vs Real Madrid UCL clash.
City were eliminated by Real Madrid in the playoff round and didn't reach the Round of 16 this season.
“I've no regrets. We didn’t deserve to stay in the Champions League. We had to enjoy football as spectators watching incredible knockout games like Liverpool vs PSG, Atletico vs Real Madrid and Barcelona vs Benfica” Guardiola said
Reflecting on City’s elimination, Guardiola admitted that fine margins make all the difference in europe’s elite competition.
“Atletico were fantastic at the Bernabeu and Real Madrid's always incredible in this tournament” he added.
Arteta Eager for Real Madrid Challenge
Meanwhile Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's looking forward to facing Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals. The Gunners demolished PSV Eindhoven 9 - 3 on aggregate to set up showdown with the 15 time european champions.
“It’s exciting draw against the club with the richest history in the competition. I’m thrilled to play against them but first we have crucial Premier League games” Arteta said.
Arsenal last faced Real Madrid in the UCL Round of 16 in 2006, eliminating them route to the final before losing to Barcelona.
Arsenal’s Domestic Challenge
Arteta spoke during press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea. The Gunners, sitting 15 point behind leaders Liverpool are struggling to stay in the title race. Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, occupy fourth place, 6 point behind Arsenal.
Despite thrashing Chelsea 5 - 0 at the emirates last season, Arteta expects tougher battle this time.
“They're completely different team under Maresca. Both teams want total dominance, press aggressively and control possession. It’s about imposing our style and limiting their strengths” he noted.
Injury Updates & Young Talent
Arteta expressed pride in 18 year old midfielder Miles Lewis Skelly’s first England senior call up.
“Culturally and with our history as English club, having academy players breaking through is big positive,” he said.
With Gabriel Jesus & Kai Havertz out for the season, Arsenal welcomed Gabriel Martinelli back from month long injury layoff. Bukayo Saka's also nearing full fitness.
“We've more options but we need to manage their minutes. Martinelli's ahead of schedule and we don’t want to rush him. Saka's improving quickly and we’ll see how he reacts to team training." Arteta explained.
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