Pep Guardiola optimistic of reaching Champions League semi-final
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said that the Citizens have a good chance of progressing in the Champions League despite the recent setback against Tottenham Hotspur on the road. The Citizens suffered a slender 1-0 loss to the north London side during the first leg of the quarter-final stage, and the club now find themselves in a situation where they must find the scoresheet to stay alive in the competition.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola admitted that the result was not the best but it was not the worst either. He added that comebacks are essential at the final stages of the elite competition and he is hopeful that the team can turn things around at the Etihad Stadium next week, he said: “It’s not the best result but not the worst one. You know in this competition when you want to go through into the last stages you have to make these kind of comebacks.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said that the Citizens have a good chance of progressing in the Champions League despite the recent setback against Tottenham Hotspur on the road. The Citizens suffered a slender 1-0 loss to the north London side during the first leg of the quarter-final stage, and the club now find themselves in a situation where they must find the scoresheet to stay alive in the competition.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola admitted that the result was not the best but it was not the worst either. He added that comebacks are essential at the final stages of the elite competition and he is hopeful that the team can turn things around at the Etihad Stadium next week, he said: “It’s not the best result but not the worst one. You know in this competition when you want to go through into the last stages you have to make these kind of comebacks.
““You don’t expect to arrive in a semi-final or quarter-final first leg we are going to win 0-3“, that is a reality – it happens to many teams in many situations, but we have another option, another chance and that is the point. The second leg will be tough but we know what we have to do: score goals, play “as well as possible“ and we’re going to try. ”
Guardiola’s side had the best chance to open the scoresheet after just 13 minutes after they were awarded with a penalty through the VAR. However, Sergio Aguero squandered the chance to put them ahead with Lloris judging the right direction to save the effort. Thereafter, Spurs managed to curb the threat with some solid defending, and they were eventually rewarded with Heung-min Son scoring from a stellar solo effort, 12 minutes from time. Spurs can now put the pressure on City on the road, given an away goal would mean that the hosts must score three times to win the tie.
Dominique Bijotat believes Paul Pogba has changed into a team player
Former France international Dominique Bijotat believes Paul Pogba has changed into a team player which has brought the best out of him. The midfielder recently failed to find the scoresheet during Les Bleus’ 4-1 win over Moldova in the European qualifier but he was nonetheless influential with his movement and distribution during the game.
Speaking after the match, Bijotat praised the qualities of Pogba, who has become more of a team player unlike previously where he was trying hard to influence play by himself, he said: “Paul Pogba played a great match. Yes, he had more time without a real opponent, yes he hardly had to defend but technically he is at the top of the world.
Former France international Dominique Bijotat believes Paul Pogba has changed into a team player which has brought the best out of him. The midfielder recently failed to find the scoresheet during Les Bleus’ 4-1 win over Moldova in the European qualifier but he was nonetheless influential with his movement and distribution during the game.
Speaking after the match, Bijotat praised the qualities of Pogba, who has become more of a team player unlike previously where he was trying hard to influence play by himself, he said: “Paul Pogba played a great match. Yes, he had more time without a real opponent, yes he hardly had to defend but technically he is at the top of the world.
“He controlled the tempo of the game with his passes behind the defenders, which is a fatal weapon against very low blocks. I found him to be consistent without embellishment, without seemingly trying too hard or try to do too much. Pogba has changed, it is undeniable. He is playing clean football and he is playing as a team man, which is new to him too.”
“Pogba had been struggling for form during the opening half of the season with Manchester United” where he was trying to test the opposition goalkeeping with long-range shots rather than finding his teammates ahead of him. That has changed during the backend of the campaign with regular contributions and this has helped him blossom “with the national team” as well.
The 26-year-old orchestrated the play from the midfield during France’s recent 4-1 triumph over Moldova. He could not boost the performance with a goal but managed to provide a delightful chipped assist for Antoine Griezmann’s opening strike of the game. Les Bleus are now scheduled to face Iceland for the next Euro 2020 qualifier and Pogba is expected to feature from the off.