Manchester City secured a comeback victory on the final day of the Champions League group stage, but manager Pep Guardiola remains apprehensive about their prospects in the knockout rounds. City will face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in February, both formidable opponents with extensive experience in the competition. Guardiola acknowledges the challenge ahead, stating that his team currently lacks the necessary experience to reach the final.
On the final day of the Champions League group stage, the reigning English champions gave the Etihad plenty to cheer about in the second half, scoring three goals to mount their comeback in a must-win fixture. Instead of riding the high, though, Guardiola already has his sights set on the knockout stage and he does not like what he sees. City will face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in February.
Either side will be a tough challenge for a City team that only won three of their group stage matches this season. When asked if he could see his side getting past their next opponents and going all the way in the competition, Guardiola responded, 'Right now, no. The year that we won, I always thought we were going to win the Champions League.' 'The reality is the reality. They have more experience than us. Madrid maybe struggled but the last games are back in the results, the way they played,' he continued. 'Bayern Munich played an incredible season. If we had to play tomorrow it would be difficult. In two weeks, I don't know the position we'll be in and the players .'City has dealt with an injury crisis for most of the 2024–25 season that started with losing Rodri in September. Guardiola's backline has especially taken a hit recently. Kyle Walker made the move to AC Milan and Rúben Dias and Nathan Aké are both injured. New signing Abdukodir Khusanov is an option, but he failed to impress in. 'The people in the locker room said Bayern Munich, Madrid, it's ok, we're going to prepare well and going to be fit. We'll try it and see what happens,' Guardiola said. 'It is what it is. Bayern and Madrid, we're going to face the kings of this competition and maybe the second or third king.'or Bundesliga leaders. If City truly want to get their season back on track after winning just two of their final 14 matches to close out 2024, they must show out against either of the European giants waiting for them in the knockout phase playoffs. Still, even if City get past Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, the road to the Champions League final will only get harder
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MANCHESTER CITY PEP GUARDIOLA REAL MADRID BAYERN MUNICH KNOCKOUT STAGE
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