Football

Guardiola sends warning to Man City stars as Champions League dream edges closer


Pep Guardiola warned his Manchester City players the hard work starts now after they cruised into the Champions League quarter-finals.

City made the last eight for the fourth year in a row, but Guardiola, who has never got past the quarter-final stage with the Blues, knows Friday’s draw is key to their chances.

“It depends now on the draw of the team,” said Guardiola. “But now, with the eight best teams in Europe, the quality every time is higher and it’s more difficult.

“We’re in the quarter finals, but one bad moment can punish you, with the quality of the teams, they will be so good.

“But hopefully the team can maintain this mood and we can compete, especially in two games.



Pep Guardiola has warned his players the next round will not be so comfortable
Pep Guardiola has warned his players the next round will not be so comfortable

“When you go through you have to deserve it, so we arrive there, try to play good and after we’ll see what happens. But this competition is tricky.”

City’s clean sheet was their seventh in a row in the competition, giving them the second-longest run in Champions League history – 11 hours 31 minutes – without conceding a goal.

A thunderous strike in the 12th minute from Kevin De Bruyne and a clinical finish from Ilkay Gundogan six minutes later gave City a comfortable win on the night and 4-0 on aggregate.



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De Bruyne said: “The start helped a lot. We were patient in the beginning. When we scored the two goals we controlled the game and we had a few chances.

“The second half was a little less, but that’s understandable with all the games we’ve played. With a 4-0 aggregate lead, it was a little bit less.

“It’s always important when you’re stable as a defence and team. Obviously it gives the whole team confidence. It’s really nice for Ederson and the defenders.”





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