MADRID - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes his squad is significantly better prepared for their return to the Bernabeu to face Real Madrid.
"We arrive better in terms of we have the squad," Guardiola stated, contrasting with last season's team hampered by fatigue and injuries. City faces Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.
Boosted by the return of striker Erling Haaland, Guardiola emphasized the importance of a fit squad for navigating multiple competitions. January signings Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi are poised for their Champions League debuts.
Guardiola acknowledged the challenge of playing at Real Madrid's home stadium, stressing the need for respect and team identity. He views these elite matchups as crucial learning experiences for the club's future.
City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, a Champions League winner with PSG last season, described the current competition as wide open, with crucial details determining outcomes in the razor-thin margins of knockout football.