Carles Puyol Says He's 'Convinced' Pep Guardiola Will Win Champions League Again
Feb 28, 2020
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 26: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City reacts during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at Bernabeu on February 26, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Barcelona legend Carles Puyol has said he believes Pep Guardiola will win another UEFA Champions League in the future.
The former Blaugrana captain, who played under the Manchester City coach at the Camp Nou, told SPOX and Martin Volkmar of Goal he thinks Guardiola is destined to conquer Europe's biggest club competition once again after capturing the title twice as Barca coach:
"For me, Pep is the best coach I had and the best coach in the world.
"You can immediately tell that a team is coached by Pep by the way it plays. That's why I'm convinced he will win that title again.
"I can't say whether it will be with Manchester City, but they will focus a lot on that competition as it is practically impossible to catch Liverpool in the Premier League."
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 26: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) head coach Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid and head coach Pep Guardiola of Manchester City gestures during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at Bern
City shocked Real Madrid 2-1 on Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, handing the Premier League champions a precious advantage in their quest to make the quarter-finals.
Guardiola's tactics outfoxed Zinedine Zidane in the Spanish capital, and Real were picked apart by the English side.
City are preparing to serve a two-year ban from European competition from next season, limiting Guardiola's opportunity of lifting the European Cup in the short term. However, the Manchester club are appealing their exclusion and could have their punishment reduced or overturned.
Guardiola said City's impeding ban will not make him look elsewhere to win honours, and he wants to stay at the Etihad Stadium, per Sky Sports' Soccer AM:
City have stumbled in the Champions League over the past decade and have struggled to navigate through the knockout rounds. The club reached the last four in 2015-16 but have underperformed during campaigns of high hopes in Europe.
However, this season represents an excellent opportunity for Guardiola and City. With the Premier League title race all but run, and with the Sky Blues 16 points clear of fifth, the English champions can immediately throw all of their resources and endeavour at capturing their first Champions League crown.
Pep Guardiola Cautious of Real Madrid UCL Comeback, Talks 10 Days of Planning
Feb 27, 2020
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 26: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City shakes hands with Zinedine Zidane, Manager of Real Madrid prior to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at Bernabeu on February 26, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Real Madrid are capable of a second-leg turnaround after his side came from behind to win 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. He also said a meticulous 10 days of planning helped seal a historic win for his club.
Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne each scored in the final 12 minutes of their UEFA Champions League last-16 clash in Madrid where Isco had put the hosts ahead after an hour.
The two teams reconvene at the Etihad Stadium on March 17, and Guardiola told reporters Zinedine Zidane's side—who won three straight European crowns between 2016 and 2018—are capable of a comeback. Asked whether the two-legged tie was over, he replied:
"No. If there's a team that can come back against anything, it's Real Madrid.
"We conceded a goal when we were the better team, and then we scored when they were the better team. But the Champions League is like this: ups and downs.
"[Thibaut] Courtois was immense. It's a good result because we scored two goals. We've won nothing, but winning at the Bernabeu is very satisfying, because we're not used to these things."
Vinicius Jr. teed up Isco to break the deadlock, but De Bruyne showed great composure to find Jesus inside the box for City's first (U.S. viewers only):
Raheem Sterling—who had been injured prior to the first leg—came on and won the deciding penalty in the 82nd minute. De Bruyne converted, and Real's hopes of advancing diminished further after captain Sergio Ramos was shown a late red card (U.S. viewers only):
Ajax knocked Los Blancos out of the Champions League at this stage of the competition last year, while City are targeting their third consecutive run to the quarter-finals.
Guardiola's tactics and personnel selection appeared to set his side up in a more defensive manner, with Sergio Aguero benched in favour of the more workmanlike Jesus. He spoke about his research and strategising ahead of the clash, per James Robson of the Evening Standard:
"We had 10 free days, and in those days I watched the most amount of matches of Real Madrid, their defensive game was different. That's why we changed, the space was to attack, but never since I've been a coach have I gone to defend.
"Maybe I provide too much information. I have to know the opponents, they press a lot. They did that in the Camp Nou, and I thought they'd do it at home. They steal the balls and make passes, you see after conceding the goal, you have to protect."
The heat map of Jesus showed the striker stuck largely to the left wing and was a big factor in defence, while winger Bernardo Silva roamed, sometimes as a less conventional frontman, per WhoScored.com.
Spanish football writer Guillem Balague remarked upon Guardiola's efforts to exploit the wide areas using Jesus in an altered role:
they defend so well when the ball in front of them and worst when they have to defend wide attacks. Hence him asking Jesus, who is one of the top strikers in the world without the ball, to play wide.
The Athletic's Sam Lee praised the level of research conducted by the Citizens boss, whose side became the first English team to win at the Bernabeu since Liverpool in February 2009:
Odd for Guardiola to admit so much about the behind-the-scenes preparation in a press conference, but very welcome all the same. This is a great example of how much work he puts into analysis of the opponent (too much? 😉) https://t.co/GfyqM0je9y
Zidane finds himself in an unfamiliar position with his side chasing the game following the home leg. Real have only one win from their last five games across all competitions and have now lost their last two in a row.
Guardiola emerged as victor in the first competitive meeting between the pair as managers, but City's coach remains wary of succumbing to a comeback himself when the two teams clash again in three weeks.
Pep Guardiola: Manchester City 'Can Get Through' After Aymeric Laporte Injury
Feb 26, 2020
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 26: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at Bernabeu on February 26, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alejandro Rios/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola isn't overly worried about Aymeric Laporte's latest injury or its impact on Manchester City's defensive depth. Instead, he believes his squad still has enough options at the back to negotiate a demanding upcoming run of fixtures, both domestically and in Europe.
Laporte limped off 33 minutes into the Citizens' 2-1 win away to Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League last 16 on Wednesday. It's another setback for the centre-back, who missed nearly five months of the season after undergoing knee surgery.
Guardiola spoke about how City will cope without their talisman at the back, per Charlotte Duncker of the Manchester Evening News: "He's injured. He's had four or five months and it's a problem when you come back, and he came back in this demanding game and we wanted him to be fit to the end. With John (Stones), Nico (Otamendi), Eric (Garcia), Ferna [Fernandinho], we can get through."
Guardiola's confidence is refreshing, but there is no doubt Laporte's injury comes at an inopportune moment during City's season. Sunday's 2020 Carabao Cup final against Aston Villa at Wembley is up next, with the second leg against Real set for March 17.
In between, the Citizens are away to Sheffield United in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday. There are also Premier League games away to derby rivals Manchester United and at home to Burnley.
It's far from the ideal time for Guardiola to potentially be without the best defender in the squad, although details on the extent of Laporte's problem are not yet known.
ON THIS DAY: In 2018, Manchester City signed Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao for £57m.
The former Athletic Bilbao man offered a reminder of his value when he returned to the lineup for the 1-0 win away to Sheffield United on January 21. Laporte also started when West Ham United were beaten 2-0 and played 58 minutes of Saturday's 1-0 victory away to Leicester City.
The 25-year-old was withdrawn against the Foxes as a precautionary measure, per Press Association (h/t MailOnline).
Caution is something City can afford to take with Laporte's latest injury, provided Fernandinho continues to play as well as he did in the Spanish capital. The converted holding midfielder was magnificent at the Santiago Bernabeu, timing his tackles flawlessly and making several crucial last-ditch blocks.
The Brazilian has been Guardiola's most common choice to fill in for Laporte amid the struggles experienced by Stones and Otamendi. The latter was at fault for Isco's goal in Madrid, while Stones was completely overlooked in his manager's plans for a significant fixture:
John Stones the big casualty tonight: not even on the bench...
While Fernandinho can excel in relief, his aggressiveness, positional sense and efficient distribution can be missed at the base of midfield. Guardiola may be best served getting 19-year-old Garcia more starting experience.
The Spaniard has already proved he can handle the pace of play in England's top flight when he delivered a fine cameo after replacing Laporte late on against the Blades.
Whichever players and formations he chooses, Guardiola needs to fortify a defence vulnerable at key moments this season. Conceding 29 times in the Premier League has helped wreck City's title defence, while an elusive European trophy can only be captured from a secure base.
Ilkay Gundogan: 'Something Missing' at Manchester City Until They Win UCL
Feb 25, 2020
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 29: Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City runs with the ball during the Carabao Cup Semi Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on January 29, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan believes the club can only truly cement themselves as an elite side by winning the UEFA Champions League.
The German spoke ahead of City's clash with Real Madrid in the last 16 of the competition on Wednesday.
"The Champions League is maybe the most prestigious competition in the game, and if you don't win it, as much as we are a great team, you feel like there's always something missing.
"Obviously, we try to do our best, but it's not something that you can talk about and then it comes. It’s something you have to try to achieve."
City have been one of the dominant forces in English football over the last decade, in which they've won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups.
Last season, they won all three as part of an unprecedented domestic treble in men's English football.
However, European success has continued to elude them. They've reached just one Champions League semi-final, even after bringing in Pep Guardiola, who has won the competition twice, as manager.
This season could be their last experience of Champions League football for some time after UEFA hit them with a two-year ban from European football for breaching financial fair play regulations.
Guardiola has been quick to reassure fans and players of his intention to remain at the Etihad Stadium despite the ban, though:
Pep Guardiola has told Man City players: “Whatever league we are in, I will still be here. Even if they put us in League Two, I will still be here. This is a time for sticking together." City CEO Ferran Soriano told players: “Trust me like I trust you, this will be dropped.”
The coach believes City's lack of historical success in Europe has made it more difficult for them to compete with the likes of Madrid and other giants.
City's only European trophy is the Cup Winners' Cup they won in 1970—a far cry from Real's 13 Champions League titles and two UEFA Cups.
However, they've qualified for the tournament every season since the 2010-11 campaign, so the club should have plenty of experience by now.
Gundogan believes a statement result against a side like Real could help them resolve the issue:
"It's so difficult to explain it—I think we need a big game that we win. And to get through thinking 'this was so hard today,' where we need to struggle as well. We have to overcome difficulties, something like that is needed."
City should fancy their chances of getting a result at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Real have failed to win three of their last four matches in all competitions, having lost to Real Sociedad and Levante and been held to a draw by Celta Vigo. In the Champions League group stage, they drew two of their home matches, one of which was against a Club Brugge side who finished the match with 10 men.
What's more, Los Blancos will be without Eden Hazard for both legs after he was diagnosed with a fractured ankle on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola Says Aymeric Laporte Is 'OK' Ahead of Real Madrid UCL 1st Leg
Feb 23, 2020
Manchester City's French defender Aymeric Laporte (R) reacts during the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England on January 21, 2020. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City can expect to have key centre-back Aymeric Laporte fully fit and raring to go for the first leg against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.
City chief Pep Guardiola substituted Laporte three minutes before the hour mark during Saturday's 1-0 win away to Leicester City in the Premier League. The change sparked some concern about the fitness of a defender who missed around five months with a knee injury earlier this season.
However, Guardiola revealed the decision to sub Laporte for Nicolas Otamendi was merely a precautionary measure, one dictated by the player himself, per Press Association (h/t MailOnline):
"He asked me to be subbed. He's not injured. We cannot forget he has been out for four or five months injured. They run a lot, (Jamie) Vardy, Kelechi (Iheanacho), (Harvey) Barnes, they are all so fast. It was quite different against West Ham (on Wednesday) where there was only one striker so it was easier to control, but he's OK."
When asked directly whether Laporte would be able to complete the match at the Santiago Bernabeu, Guardiola offered an emphatic "yes" in response.
Laporte's availability could well be the single most important factor in determining whether City can overcome the 13-time winners. The former Athletic Bilbao star is the best natural defender in Guardiola's squad, with the 25-year-old aggressive in the air, quick across the deck and competent in possession.
City's attempt to win a third-straight domestic title crumbled during his absence. A threadbare back line featuring mistake-prone duo Otamendi and John Stones, along with converted midfielder Fernandinho, was found wanting.
Laporte returned for the 1-0 win over Sheffield United on January 21. He played 78 minutes at Bramall Lane and has appeared in two league games since, including Saturday against the Foxes.
43 - Aymeric Laporte has won 43 of his first 50 Premier League games, overtaking the record previously jointly-held by Ederson, Arjen Robben and Didier Drogba (42 wins from 50). Authority. pic.twitter.com/GfkLYzkYka
Significantly, City have kept three clean sheets with Laporte in the lineup. He's restored the secure base the Citizens need to afford greater freedom to artful playmakers Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Ilkay Gundogan.
City have steadied the ship at the ideal time ahead of facing a Real team in a state of flux. Poor results have been logged in back-to-back games in La Liga, with a 2-2 draw at home to struggling Celta Vigo preceding Saturday's 1-0 loss away to Levante.
Those dropped points have seen Los Blancos relinquish top spot to rivals Barcelona. The defeat in Levante also came at a further cost, with winger Eden Hazard leaving the pitch after fracturing his ankle.
Hazard has already been ruled out for Wednesday:
BREAKING: Real Madrid have announced that Eden Hazard has fractured his right ankle.
He will miss Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Man City and next Sunday’s Clasico. pic.twitter.com/5htKCDAmAs
His absence should make a Real forward line overly reliant on prolific No. 9 Karim Benzema easier to defend. Gareth Bale has found consistency and regular starts hard to come by, and the Welshman was sent home from training this week while suffering a bout of gastroenteritis, per MailOnline's Oli Gamp.
Isco and James Rodriguez are options, but the latter hasn't started a league game since October 19. Meanwhile, Rodrygo has been left out of the last three matchday squads, omissions Zinedine Zidane explained to the 19-year-old Brazilian, according to Mario Cortegana of AS.
Los Merengues are depleted in forward areas, but Zidane has proved he can find solutions in Europe before. He lifted this trophy three seasons in a row as manager during his first tenure in charge.
It's the kind of record City and Guardiola can only dream of emulating after failing to get past the quarter-final in each of the last three seasons. The club is under greater pressure to produce at this level after being hit with a UEFA-imposed ban from the tournament for the next two seasons because of financial fair play irregularities.
Laporte played down the impact of the ban on the mentality of the squad following Wednesday's 2-0 win over West Ham United, per BBC Sport: "We are professionals, a big team with big personalities in the dressing room, and I think we just think about football, nothing else. We are professionals and have to do our job. That's all."
More than any sense of desperation or defiance regarding events off the pitch, Laporte's fitness will be the catalyst for how far City will go in the Champions League.
Gabriel Jesus Scores, Manchester City Beat Leicester 1-0 in Premier League
Feb 22, 2020
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City celebrates with Riyad Mahrez after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Manchester City at The King Power Stadium on February 22, 2020 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Manchester City increased their lead over Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday with a 1-0 win at the King Power Stadium. Gabriel Jesus came off the bench to net the only goal with 10 minutes remaining.
The Brazilian replaced Sergio Aguero, who missed a penalty in the second half, and scored shortly after.
City now lead the Foxes by seven points.
City started by monopolising the ball, playing perfectly into Leicester's strategy of sitting back and waiting for the counter. It nearly led to an opener inside the first 10 minutes, with Jamie Vardy doing all the hard work before striking the post:
Vardy has to score that. 1 v 1, Fernandinho totally out of it and not even trying, Ederson waiting...and Vardy hits the post.
Kevin De Bruyne drew a fine save from Kasper Schmeichel with a strong shot, and he tried his luck again minutes later but bent his effort wide.
A James Maddison free-kick took a deflection and didn't bother Ederson, but he had better luck after 37 minutes, drawing a fine save from the Brazilian.
The former Benfica stopper was involved in a controversial incident with Kelechi Iheanacho a few minutes before half-time when he clattered into the forward in the penalty area. Per the Athletic's Rob Tanner, he landed a good shot:
Neither Tyson Fury of Wilder will land a better punch tonight than Ederson has just landed on Iheanacho. No penalty either. #LCFC
The Foxes started the second half well, but the first big chance fell to the visitors, with De Bruyne testing Schmeichel after a good counter.
Leicester fans were increasingly infuriated with VARafter a possible handball by De Bruyne, and just past the hour mark, their fury took on new proportions when it did intervene to award the visitors a spot-kick for a handball on Dennis Praet.
Aguero fired his effort straight down the middle, and Schmeichel made the adjustment to keep it out.
WoW fantastic penalty save by Schmeichel from Aguero!!
The Argentinian also hit the side netting shortly after as City increased the pressure and took the upper hand. Nicolas Otamendi had to make a great block to deny Pereira after a great counter, however, with the outcome of the match still on a knife edge entering the final 15 minutes.
Jesus replaced Aguero and made an immediate impact, opening the score in the 80th minute. The Brazilian finished off a fine counter orchestrated by former Leicester man Mahrez.
Once again, the VAR check didn't go Leicester's way:
The VAR image we have just seen shows Jesus was just on side. Couldn't quite see the ball at the point of Mahrez's pass but you would imagine they would have checked that with other angles. 1-0 to Man City. #LCFC
Leicester's push for an equaliser lacked venom, with City looking more likely to add a second goal. Jesus nearly returned the favour to set up Mahrez, but Schmeichel intervened, and Bernardo Silva fired a shot narrowly wide before the final whistle blew.
What's Next?
The Citizens visit Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, and Leicester's next outing will be away to Norwich City in the Premier League on Friday.
Pep Guardiola Defends Raheem Sterling's Real Madrid Comments: 'It's Normal'
Feb 21, 2020
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Raheem Sterling of FC Manchester City, head coach Josep Guardiola of FC Manchester City speaks with during the UEFA Champions League group C match between Manchester City and Dinamo Zagreb at Etihad Stadium on October 1, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Raheem Sterling talking up Real Madrid hasn't started alarm bells ringing for Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who thinks Sterling's interview with the Spanish press is nothing to worry about.
Guardiola was asked about Sterling's comments, but he brushed off their significance, per BBC Sport: "We're not here to tell them what they have to say. It's normal in the Madrid media to speak about Madrid, that's normal."
Passing off Sterling's words as routine is somewhat surprising since the winger has lauded Real less than a week before City face the Spanish giants in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
The first leg takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, and Guardiola is adamant all of his players, including Sterling, will be fully focused on City's cause: "I'm completely sure (of) the commitment of our players, it's about what they've shown for many years, nothing changes. At the end of the season, nobody knows what is going to happen."
That last note may fuel rumours Sterling will swap Manchester for life in the Spanish capital this summer. The player himself has inadvertently started the rumour mill churning again by lauding Real during an interview with Mario Cortegana of AS.
Sterling was asked if he thinks he'd fit in Real's best XI, an idea he quickly endorsed: "Right now I'm at City and I'm really happy. But I say Real Madrid are a fantastic club, when you see the white shirt you know exactly what the club stands for, it's massive."
In isolation, those words may read like little excuse for any furore. However, the idea of Sterling joining Los Merengues is not a new one.
Sky Sports News reported in November how Real wanted to put together a package including out-of-favour Gareth Bale and £70 million to offset Sterling's £150 million price tag.
At the time, the notion of City parting ways with a player as prolific as Sterling seemed fanciful at best. Things have changed since, particularly in light of the Premier League club being hit with a UEFA-imposed, two-season ban from the Champions League over financial fair play discrepancies.
Guardiola has already declared City's intention to challenge UEFA's disciplinary measures:
Pep on ban: “It’s not finished. It’s not over. The club is going to appeal because they think it’s unfair”. #mcfc
City will fight, but there is no denying the impact being out of Europe's top tournament might have on a player approaching his prime. Sterling is approaching his best, having superbly refined his game on Guardiola's watch.
He's added a varied and subtle range of movement to his natural pace and also become a more efficient finisher. Those qualities have helped Sterling become arguably City's most important player, despite a recent barren run in front of goal.
The former Liverpool forward has scored just three goals since the start of December. He's also been out with a hamstring injury suffered during the 2-0 defeat away to Tottenham Hotspur earlier in February.
Raheem Sterling has had at least 46 more touches in the opposition box than any other player in Europe's top five leagues this season.
Real could use Sterling's clever off-the-ball runs from wide areas and keen eye for goal. Bale is still struggling for form and appearances on Zinedine Zidane's watch, having completed 90 minutes in La Liga just once so far in 2020.
Bale could miss the City game having been sent home from training because of a bout of gastroenteritis, per Oli Gamp of MailOnline.
Meanwhile, James Rodriguez hasn't started a game in the league since a 1-0 defeat away to Real Mallorca on October 19. His absence has been compounded by 19-year-olds Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo struggling for consistency.
Gareth Bale's last goal at the Santiago Bernabéu was against tonight's opponents Celta Vigo on March 16, 2019 (335 days ago) - Marca.
Signing Sterling would complete a devastating front three along with Karim Benzema and Eden Hazard. The trio wouldn't be short of chances thanks to a midfield defined by the craft of Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde.
Sterling is happy at City now, one reason why Guardiola is unmoved by the latest comments, but the club's situation could shift dramatically in the next few months. If so, major changes to the playing squad might follow.
In the meantime, links between Sterling and Real are likely to gather pace.
Raheem Sterling Hints He'd Be Open to Joining Real Madrid 'In the Future'
Feb 21, 2020
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 29: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City runs with the ball during the Carabao Cup Semi Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on January 29, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has suggested he would be open to a transfer to Real Madrid "in the future" amid rumours the Spanish powerhouses are interested in his signature.
The England star has been touted as a target for Los Blancos in the past, with speculation building after UEFA banned City from the Champions League for the next two seasons after breaching financial fair play rules.
Mario Cortegana of AS pressed Sterling on whether he'd like to represent Real, reading an old quote from the player who once said: "Everyone's dream growing up is seeing themselves in an away kit somewhere in a sunny country."
The City forward laughed and replied: "How do I answer that one? Is the camera live or is it just taking pictures? No one knows what the future will hold. I am a player, and I am always open to challenges, but right now my challenge is at Manchester City. In the future, hopefully, who knows."
The two teams are set to face off in the last 16 of the Champions League and open their two-legged affair at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Sterling was asked whether he envisioned himself playing in Real colours and said: "It's one of those things. … Right now I'm at City, and I'm really happy. But I say Real Madrid are a fantastic club, when you see the white shirt you know exactly what the club stands for, it's massive. But at the same time, I have a contract with City now, and I have to respect this. But it's a fantastic club."
His deal at the Etihad Stadium isn't due to expire until June 2023, giving the Citizens some cause for calm during what's been a rocky period.
Sterling enjoyed a prolific start to this season and has scored 20 goals in 35 total appearances this season. However, he's sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury in the 2-0 loss at Tottenham Hotspur at the beginning of February.
But his form has tailed off, and the player failed to score in eight successive appearances prior to his injury. Analyst Ben Dinnery appeared on Love Sport Radio in early February and stressed the need to not rush Sterling back from his absence:
🗣️ @PremierInjuries' @BenDinnery thinks that it's vital Raheem Sterling takes his time during his recovery from his hamstring injury.#MCFC
The forward was also complimentary of Real manager Zinedine Zidane for his "winning mentality." Pep Guardiola's side are set to lose their Premier League crown as they sit 22 points behind leaders Liverpool with 12 matches to go, but Sterling reiterated he's content in Manchester:
"It's something that you see all the time, but I'm a City player, and I'm enjoying it at the moment, even if things haven't gone quite planned in the league. We now have a massive opportunity in the Champions League, but I keep saying Real Madrid is a fantastic club, there's lovely weather, but I keep saying that I am quite happy at City."
Virgil van Dijk was named Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year after helping guide Liverpool to second last season, while Reds team-mate Mohamed Salah swept the awards in 2017-18.
Sterling hinted at his frustration that team-mates such as Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and former City star Yaya Toure had never won England's main individual award. Sterling said it's "something everyone can see" when asked whether he thought about that inequality a lot:
"It is impossible to win the league for four or five times and none of the players were Player of the Year. Every team which wins the league has a player who wins Player of the Year, for sure. So, this year Liverpool win the league and a Liverpool player will win the Player of the Year for sure. We win the league for five times, and we were not treated with the same respect."
The Citizens had lost two of their past three games but got back to winning ways with a 2-0 home win over West Ham United on Wednesday when Kevin De Bruyne notched one goal and one assist:
3️⃣ points 2️⃣ goals 1️⃣ clean sheet
The best bits from our victory over the Hammers...
It was reported by Sky Sports News in November that Real—who lead La Liga by one point—were willing to offer former Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale plus £70 million in cash to recruit Sterling.
The Spanish giants are likely to have only increased their interest in the player since City's two-year European ban came to light, perhaps sensing an opportunity to capitalise on the potential chaos.
City published a statement responding to UEFA's recent punishment and confirmed their intent to appeal the suspension through the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Sterling took a positive stance on the ban that "has not been confirmed," adding: "The club has a long way to go, and we just have to wait and see what happens, but I have full confidence in the club."
Much of City's success this season could rest on how far they go in the Champions League, with Sterling hoping to return in time for their round-of-16 first leg away at Real on Wednesday.
Aymeric Laporte Talks Manchester City FFP Ban Reaction: 'We Are Professionals'
Feb 20, 2020
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City warms up prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on February 19, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Aymeric Laporte has opened up on Manchester City's players' responses to the club's two-year European ban for breaching financial fair play (FFP) laws, saying they're professionals who "have to do our job."
UEFA published a report on February 14 announcing that City will be banned from the next two Champions League campaigns and fined €30 million (£25.1 million) for overstating sponsorship revenue between 2012 and 2016.
Laporte, 25, recently returned from a four-month spell out of action with a serious knee injury, and he said the Citizens have enough motivation to bounce back from the punishment, per the Mirror's David McDonnell:
"We are professionals, a big team with big personalities in the dressing room, and I think we just think about football, nothing else.
"We are professionals and have to do our job. That’s all. We don’t need more motivation for anything.
"Every game is tough and we have to be focused. The Champions League is important for us and we want the best campaign we can do."
Pep Guardiola's side are second in the Premier League, 22 points behind Liverpool with 12 matches remaining. However, they are set to face Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup final on March 1 and are still in the running for this term's Champions League and FA Cup.
Laporte looked back to his reliable best when City beat West Ham United 2-0 on Wednesday. Kevin De Bruyne assisted Rodrigo for their first goal before bagging the second himself in a decisive win:
City issued a statement in response to UEFA's decision to suspend them from Europe's premier club competition, saying their case was "initiated by UEFA, prosecuted by UEFA and judged by UEFA."
Guardiola, 49, said after the win against West Ham that he was confident their ban would be overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), as Omnisport shared:
City looked resolute in their first match since the ban was announced, dominating with more than 75 per cent possession and preventing their guests from having a shot on target, per WhoScored.com.
The team sorely missed Laporte during his stint on the sidelines, and OptaPro's Adam Bate pointed to some of the centre-back's elite qualities when compared with those of his peers:
There is a question of how a European suspension could affect City's players, some of whom might question their place at the Etihad Stadium if it means missing out on featuring in the Champions League.
Raheem Sterling's agent, Aidy Ward, told the Mirror's John Cross soon after the UEFA ban was announced: "Raheem is solely focused onManchester Cityand will not be distracted by any talk of transfers to any club at the moment."
The initial response has been good, but City face a major test to advance in the Champions League when they travel to face Real Madrid for the first leg of their last-16 clash on Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola Warns Barcelona 'Don't Talk Too Loud' About Man City FFP Ban
Feb 20, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City reatcs during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 02, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola has advised former employers Barcelona "don't talk too loud" about Manchester City's breach of UEFA's financial fair play regulations in response to comments made by president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
City were banned from the UEFA Champions League for two seasons and fined €30 million (£25.1 million) after European football's governing body said the club overstated sponsorship revenue between 2012 and 2016.
Barca chief Bartomeu told reporters on Tuesday that he wanted to "thank UEFA regarding FFP" and praised the organisation for its "fantastic work" in recent years, per Reuters (via ESPN FC).
Guardiola, 49, was asked about those remarks after his side defeated West Ham United 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, and he hinted Barcelona could be found guilty of similar offences, via Sky Sports:
"Don't talk too loud, Barcelona"
Pep Guardiola responds to Barcelona backing UEFA over FFP work
City's press officer attempted to block the journalist's question regarding Bartomeu's comments before Guardiola intervened and replied:
"If they are happy we are suspended, I say to the president of Barcelona, let us appeal.
"The people [at City] right now trust what they have done, so that is what we are going to do. We're going to appeal and maybe it happens, but don't talk too loud, Barcelona.
"That is my advice because everybody is involved sometimes in situations. We are going to appeal and hopefully in the future we can play in the Champions League against Barcelona."
The Catalan coach came through Barcelona's academy as a player and spent 17 years at the Camp Nou, going on to manage the first team in a hugely successful spell between 2008 and 2012.
Bartomeu served as Barcelona's vice-president from July 2010 until January 2014, when he was elected Sandro Rosell's successor in the head role.
City chief executive Ferran Soriano has said the allegations "are simply not true," via Reuters:
.@ManCity’s CEO Ferran Soriano said the allegations of financial wrongdoing made against the club are baseless and politically motivated. The English soccer club has been banned for two seasons for alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play rules https://t.co/iQDvcCKo41pic.twitter.com/2n63AxENcx
Guardiola has backed the club's decision to appeal their punishment through the Court of Arbitration for Sport, telling Sky Sports he will "100 per cent" remain at the Etihad provided he isn't sacked:
"It is unfair and we will appeal. It is not over"
Pep Guardiola 'trusts' Manchester City in their battle with UEFA and promises to stay with the club no matter what
As things stand, City will be prevented from competing in the Champions League again until the 2022-23 campaign.
The Citizens are set to face 13-time European champions Real Madrid in this term's round of 16 and travel to the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg on Wednesday.
