MANCHESTER, England - Pep Guardiola expressed frustration after Manchester City’s Champions League exit to Real Madrid, marking the third consecutive season they’ve been eliminated by the Spanish giants.
City faced an uphill battle after Bernardo Silva’s handball led to a penalty and red card just 22 minutes into the second leg, trailing 3-0 from the first. Down 4-0 on aggregate and reduced to 10 men, the task became insurmountable.
"After 3-0 and 4-0 and 10 against 11, it was impossible," Guardiola said. "I wanted to challenge Madrid 11 against 11 over 180 minutes. That’s all."
He defended his team’s spirit and emphasized the developmental phase of a transitioning squad, citing young players like Abdukodir Khusanov, Rayan Cherki, and Antoine Semenyo.
Despite the loss, Guardiola reaffirmed his commitment to City, with his contract running through 2027. "When I retire in ten years," he quipped.
He dismissed criticism over winning just one Champions League title, saying: "Everybody wants to fire me! I have to win six to be recognized."
On rivals, he stated Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp posed his greatest challenge - not Real Madrid.