Guardiola Admits to His “1% Chance” Bluff
Pep Guardiola is known for playing the underdog role, and his latest confession proves it once again. After previously stating that his team had just a “1% chance” of winning at the Santiago Bernabéu, the Manchester City manager admitted during a press conference ahead of the Champions League second-leg match that he had not been entirely honest.
“I said we only had a 1% chance of qualifying… this time, I lied,” Guardiola revealed.
Guardiola’s Strategy: Overpraising the Opponent
Guardiola often goes out of his way to excessively praise his opponents, understanding that flattery can sometimes weaken them. Despite City’s painful last-minute loss in the first leg, the Spanish coach is well aware that his team remains a formidable force, and Real Madrid should not take anything for granted.
The match at the Etihad Stadium showcased City’s ability to be dangerous even when they were outplayed. With five minutes left, the English side was leading 2-1 despite Madrid’s dominance—a warning sign that Ancelotti’s team must stay fully focused in the return leg.
Key Tactical Decisions for Real Madrid
Madrid must approach the second leg with the same intensity and tactical discipline they displayed in Manchester but with better finishing and fewer defensive mistakes. A major question remains in defense:
- Will Rüdiger start? If so, he could partner with Asensio in central defense, allowing Tchouaméni to return to midfield.
- Will Ancelotti keep Tchouaméni in defense? If so, Camavinga might join Ceballos in midfield instead.
One certainty is that Fede Valverde will continue at right-back. His physical power, offensive capabilities, and tactical intelligence make him an invaluable asset for Ancelotti, ensuring he remains a key piece of Madrid’s game plan.
