Pep Guardiola has admitted his relief at the progression of the Champions League of Manchester City – but admits that he is confronted with Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the Play -Offs.
It initially threatened to be a very uncomfortable evening for the European champions of 2023 when Raphael Onyedika Club Brugge gave a shock. But Mateo Kovacic only made it a few minutes after the break.
Joel Ordonez scored his own goal to put the city up before Savinho left the victory. They will now compete against Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the play-offs prior to a potential collision with Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16.
And after a difficult season, Guardiola was able to breathe a sigh of relief. He said: “In the second half we lifted our souls and our hearts were free.
“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 really defends well.
“Going to Bayern Munich or Real Madrid will be really difficult, but it will be in two weeks and in two weeks we will have a few players back, the new signing sessions back, so hopefully we can make two good games.”
He added: “I don't know. It has been so unstable this season. Today is a sense of relief to qualify and of course it's a long season for us.”
Guardiola also saved special praise for Kovacic, who scored the goal of making City on the way to their winnings. Guardiola said: “Kova was there and he has experience and he scored a fantastic goal.
“I know that KOVA can break the lines that way. It is something unique, something special. We have done it and now it's time to enjoy it because it has been a very difficult season in the Champions League. have difficulty, but in the end we can be eligible and the draw is.
In the meantime, city officer Kovacic has revealed that Guardiola did not leave his players under illusions that they needed immediate improvement during the break. Kovacic opened a number of choice words from the Spaniard and said: “It was good because we came out very well.
“We knew that we had to perform. In the second half we showed a great character to win and continue. The crowd was so amazing atmosphere today.”
He added: “It was important because we knew we were here to continue, we have a good team and we came back from 1-0. We know we are a great team.”
City is back in action this weekend while they are confronted with Arsenal in the Premier League. That match takes place on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium
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