Josep Guardiola has insisted he has no “regrets” after Manchester City lost on penalties to Real Madrid in their quest to win the Champions League.
After a tense quarter-final draw ended 4-4 on aggregate (1-1 on aggregate) despite an underwhelming performance that night, Holder gave the La Liga giants a spot-kick for 4 We lost 3-3. guardiolaThe team in the return leg at the Etihad Stadium.
“They couldn't continue…”
man city Although Brazil representative Rodrygo's goal put them in the back early, they created many chances to take the lead again, but Kevin De Bruyne's equalizing goal in the 76th minute was their only success.
Manuel Akanju was forced off with an injury in extra time, while Erling Haaland and De Bruyne also came on as substitutes before the penalty shootout. Coach Guardiola said the following about the three players: They couldn't continue. ”
He added: “We wanted to win, but congratulations to Real Madrid. They defended very deep with incredible cohesion and we did everything.”
“I have no regrets about what we have done. We always try to create more chances and concede fewer goals because we believe that will lead to wins. I did everything.
“We played great in every department, but unfortunately we couldn't win.”
Details of Man City on F365
👉 Erling Haaland's ridiculously bad stats: big bottler and 'Ligue 2 player'
👉 Real Madrid won on penalties, but Manchester City once again showed their lack of knockout punch
👉 Henry claims Haaland is failing to do the 'bare minimum' as Arsenal icon highlights one area for improvement
Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic both missed in the shootout, but the former's shot in particular was a comfortable save for Andrii Lunin.
Guardiola refused to blame the Portuguese for failing to register.
“Bernardo asked me to take a shot. He is a reliable player and that's how he took the shot,” the player said. What a game he was playing! It happens. ”
Guardiola was not dissatisfied with Real's tactics either, with the Spanish side forced to sit back and defend deep for much of the game.
“I don't judge,” he said. “I'm not here to do this. That's football. In this competition, that's the way football is played.”
City's defeat ended their hopes of winning the treble for the second year in a row and they must brace themselves ahead of Saturday's FA Cup semi-final match against Chelsea at Wembley.
Guardiola said: “I will now rest and head to London to play the game on Friday.
“Let's see how people react. Of course it's easier to recover from a win than a loss, but it's an FA Cup semi-final so we'll try to compete as much as possible.”
“We were confident that we would get through it…”
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted City's strength absorbed the pressure and forced them to aim for a draw on penalties.
The veteran Italian player said: “We defended really, really well. This was about survival. Madrid is a club based on always fighting to survive even in situations where there seems to be no way out, but we always find a way .
“By the time the penalty shootout started, we were absolutely convinced we could get through.
“That's pretty much the only way to come to City and win. Work as hard as you can, sacrifice as much as you can, and win.”
Read next: The away goal rule is irrelevant.There's only one way to attract interest in the Champions League
📣 Leave a comment! Bernardo Silva's penalty…discuss Join the discussion here
more: city of manchester | pep guardiola