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Champions League final: We'll have to suffer to win, says Guardiola

May 29, 2021 12:42 IST

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also said that leaving players of a final is 'terrrible'

IMAGE: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also said that leaving players of a final is 'terrrible'. Photograph: David Klein/Reuters

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said his side will have to suffer before winning the Champions League final.

Manchester City will face Chelsea in the finals of the Champions League later on Saturday in Porto. Guardiola's side has already won the Premier League and Carabao Cup this season.

"I know exactly the way we want to play, with who we're going to play and I'm not going to bother them much. I know exactly what I'm going to tell them. The guys who are anxious and nervous, I will tell them it's normal. They have to handle that," Goal.com quoted Guardiola as saying.

 

"It's an incredible experience to be here, I never expected when I started my career to play even one final. We are so lucky," he added.

This is the first time that City has managed to enter the finals of the Champions League. Guardiola has the experience of managing and winning two finals with Barcelona, as well as winning one as a player.

"Leaving players out is terrible, it's absolutely a disaster. I advise you don't be a manager in your life. I don't have any nice words to give relief for the guys who won't play, but my advice is to stick with the team, there are five substitutions and everybody has a chance. Everyone will be a part," said Guardiola.

"I feel incredibly sorry for them but it is what it is. The selection I will do is to win the game. Life will always give you another chance. Work harder next time and maybe you will be there," he added.

When asked about their opponents Chelsea, Guardiola said: "We'll have to suffer to win. Most times in finals you have to suffer. It's nice to enjoy it but sometimes it's not possible. You have to be resilient and adjust. We will try to be ourselves and do what we can."

Guardiola finally has chance to do justice on European stage: Sandhu

India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu believes that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola finally has the chance to do justice on the European stage as his side will compete in the finals of the Champions League.

Manchester City will face Chelsea in the finals of the Champions League later on Saturday in Porto. Guardiola's side has already won the Premier League and Carabao Cup this season.

"I think it's going to be a very tactical affair given the game will see two of the sharpest minds in Pep and Tuchel at war on the touchline. There is so much at stake for Pep and he finally has the chance to do justice on the European stage, to the squad that has been made available to him," Goal.com quoted Sandhu as saying.

"Chelsea, on the other hand, have lost two finals in the space of seven days and this game could well define their season. They took a bold decision in letting go of Lampard mid-way through the season and it seems to have worked so far," he added.

When asked about the player he would be keenly watching in the final, Sandhu said: "I think Phil Foden would be my pick. He was phenomenal in the semi-final and showed absolutely no nerves for a boy that young on a stage that massive."

"I also want to see Aguero do well as this is his last game in a City shirt and he has been wanting to win this title with them for a while now," he added.

This is the first time that City has managed to enter the final of the Champions League. Guardiola has the experience of managing and winning two finals with Barcelona, as well as winning one as a player.

The excitement amongst City fans and the management is high regarding the Champions League final and owner Sheikh Mansour has already promised to cover the costs for all of the club's fans travelling to Porto.

Source: ANI