Pep Guardiola was able to celebrate a 2-1 Champions League victory at Real Madrid on Wednesday night – a result that does not come along too often. But the Manchester City manager was clear that his team would have to raise their performance levels in the knockout rounds if they are to repeat their triumph of 2023 in the competition.
It was a night when the pressure intensified on the Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso, who is fighting for this job after his team’s poor results continued. They have won only two of their past eight games in all competitions.
The plus point for Alonso was that there was fight and some good football from Madrid, who led through Rodrygo’s goal. But City turned things around before half-time with Nico O’Reilly’s strike and an Erling Haaland penalty.
“This will be a good lesson for the future because that level is not quite enough,” Guardiola said. “I’ve been here [at the Bernabéu] many times in the last five years and we have played much better than today and not won. This is the reality. But yeah, I will take it. The reality is that in the latter stages, you have to do better.
“Don’t misunderstand me. Winning at the Bernabéu is a big, big task. Especially in this competition. But at the same time, come February and March … the level required must be better. We will work on it. It’s not enough today. When we go to PSG, Anfield, Arsenal, we have to do better – but knowing the players we will be better.”
Guardiola was asked whether he believed his team would be able to grow into the competition, peaking when it mattered in the knockout stages. “That will happen, 100% for sure – as long as there are no injuries,” he said.
Alonso tried to remain upbeat despite the disappointment, insisting he sensed the support of his players. “Yes, I did feel that,” he said. “We haven’t lost our faith. With all the difficulties we are living with, such as all of the injuries, the players are giving until the last breath. That’s why I have nothing to reproach them over. The results are not what we want but we have to keep working and believing that things will be better.”
