Guardiola has stated that Karim Benzema’s absence and tactical experiments by Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti played a big role in the defeat.
Carlo did something he didn’t normally do tactically
Pep Guardiola highlighted the reasons behind Real Madrid’s 4-0 loss to Barcelona in March, stating that Karim Benzema’s absence and tactical experiments by Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti played a big role in the defeat. Since Benzema was out due to an injury, Ancelotti opted to start Luka Modric in a false nine-part, while Toni Kroos was also positioned higher up the pitch to press the Barcelona defenders. “I’ve only seen highlights; I didn’t see the full game in detail,” Guardiola told the press when asked if he could use that game to find chinks in Real Madrid’s armour. “I know Carlo did something he didn’t normally do tactically and I can’t take anything from that to help us in this game.”
Pep admires Ancelotti
The Spaniard assessed Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid wrapped up the LaLiga title with four games to go. “Congratulations to him for winning the Spanish league; I did it with Barcelona; he did it last week,” Guardiola said. “I admire him; he’s been worldwide, coaching fantastic teams. It’s always incredibly tough; the football is excellent. Part of that is he’s an exceptional person. I met him years ago, and every time I meet him, he’s calm and controls his emotions perfectly.” Modric suggested that Real Madrid would reach the final if they were at their best, and Guardiola was asked to give his thoughts about the Croatian’s comments. “Everyone thinks if they play at their best, they will beat their opponent; it’s normal,” Guardiola said.
The selection is to try to win the game
Guardiola is known to rotate his players well and field players that form a varied attack on the pitch. But he refused to give away anything before the game. “I don’t know what will happen,” Guardiola stated. “The selection is to try to win the game. There are moments you train really bad before the game and put on an exceptional performance or train really well and do bad. There are teams against which we did well, and there are things we have to improve.” Manchester City were without the services of Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker in the first leg, with the former missing out due to a suspension and the latter out due to an injury. But they will probably return for the second leg. “Walker trained, he’ll travel, and we will decide tomorrow,” Guardiola revealed.
“Happy he’s back; he tries to be in contention tomorrow. Joao is not out of the squad; he’s doing good. Kyle? We’ll see how he feels after he wakes up. John Stones will not travel; he is not ready.”