Pep Guardiola has issued a stark warning to his Manchester City squad ahead of their Champions League second leg against Real Madrid: any player who does not believe they can overturn a 3-0 deficit should 'stay at home'. The Premier League side trail the Spanish giants after a first-leg defeat at the Bernabeu, where Federico Valverde scored a hat-trick.
Speaking after a weekend draw with West Ham United, Guardiola said: 'If they don't believe, it's a problem. They are adults. They have good salaries. If they don't believe in that in the Champions League, go home, stay home. We have to try. What do we have to lose?' He added: 'Madrid never came back in history? Of course, it's a tough result. But we have to try, for respect for the people, for fans, for our job.'
Midfielder Rodri echoed his manager's sentiments, insisting a comeback is possible. 'Absolutely we can turn the tie around,' he said. 'We have to be more clinical and take a step forward. I think we have everything else: the style of play, the ability to create chances. We need to analyze what we did wrong, adjust it, and put the ball in the net.'
City's Champions League hopes are not their only concern; they also trail Arsenal by nine points in the Premier League after a goalless draw with West Ham, while Arsenal beat Everton. Guardiola's side face a monumental task on Tuesday at the Etihad to keep their European dream alive.
