Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed the notion of seeking revenge as his team prepares to face Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final rematch.
Last season, City suffered a heartbreaking defeat to the Spanish giants in the last four of the competition.
However, Guardiola has insisted that he is focused on the present and the upcoming game at the Bernabeu on Tuesday, rather than dwelling on the past.
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Guardiola said that City played exceptionally well in the first leg of the encounter in Manchester and put in a good performance in the second leg as well. However, it was not enough to secure a victory.
He congratulated Real Madrid for their win and accepted the defeat, adding that his team is now looking to make it to the final and win it this season.
The loss to Real Madrid last year was difficult to stomach at the time, admitted Guardiola. It was another near miss for the club since he took charge in 2016, which includes a defeat in the 2021 final.
Despite the setbacks, the coach stressed that the team is striving to improve every year and remain stable in their approach.
Pep Guardiola is adamant Man City are not seeking revenge against Real Madrid in the Champions League ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/0cbPSICdJh
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Guardiola said: “Seven years ago we wanted to win the Champions League. Last season it was [like] the end of the world but here we are again.
“Being stable is the most important thing. The important thing is we are trying to get better every year.
“We were prepared last year too. We are the same manager, mainly the same players but completely different games.
“The difference is the second leg is at home and everything will be decided in Manchester.”
