Pep Guardiola shares thoughts on Man City's Champions League play-off opponents

Manchester City and Pep Guardiola would have had a great sigh of relief after they defeated Club Brugge on Matchday 8 of the UEFA Champions League. While Club Brugge went one goal up in the first half, Manchester City pulled back the game in the second half to win 3-1 and qualify for playoffs. 

In the post-game presentation, the Manchester City gaffer mentioned that they will face numerous difficulties if they are to face Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the playoffs of the campaign. Previously, Manchester City could face them in the Round of 16 but the newly introduced Swiss Model has made it more competitive for these teams. However, he is hopeful with the new signings and few players returning from injury would help him to ease the competition and perform at the highest level. He mentioned:

"Going to Bayern Munich or Real Madrid will be really tough but it's in two weeks and in two weeks we have a few players back, the new signings back, so hopefully we can do two good games"

About the game, he was critical about the side not performing at the best level throughout the 90 mins. He applauded the opposition defense that fought tooth and nail, but asked his side to show more spark and fight in these crunch games. 

"For today we are in the next round, that's good. The first half was so academic, we didn't have the spark to do it against a team that defends really well,"

Pep Guardiola praises Matteo Kovacic

While Manchester City have gone on to struggle without an elite midfielder like Rodri in the Premier League and Champions League, Matteo Kovacic has tried to fill the boots in his absence. Kovacic scored a great goal in the second half, helping the side to equalize and later went on to control the game. He said:

"Kova was there and he has experience and he scored a fantastic goal."

"I know Kova is able to break the lines in that way. It is something unique, something special."

Kovacic also did not hold back from praising his side for the support he has given throughout the season. The Croatian midfielder said:

"We knew we needed to step up. In the second half, we showed great character to win and go through.The crowd was behind us so amazing atmosphere today."

The playoff draw will happen on 31st January whereas the playoffs will happen on 11th and 12th February on the first leg, whereas 18th and 19th February will be the second leg of the competition.