Pep hopes for magic against Liverpool
Manchester - Pep Guardiola insisted Manchester City are on the road to winning the Champions League for the first time, even if they fail to overcome a 3-0 quarterfinal first-leg deficit against Liverpool tonight (8.45pm). A hitherto spectacular second season under Guardiola for City has unravelled in the past week as they were thrashed at Anfield in the first leg, and then let a 2-0 lead slip with the chance to seal the Premier League title against Manchester United in a 3-2 derby defeat on Saturday.
“I know we are judged on results, but on the performances my team is extraordinary. It is not comparable for many others, it’s top,” Guardiola said.
“They are exceptional, so I will be close to them no matter what happens between now and the end of the season.
“It’s a joy to be manager of this team, even three days ago the way we played.”
City have only once before reached the last four of the Champions League and Guardiola has often spoken about needing to create a culture of European success in his near two-year reign.
But he believes a historic comeback at the Etihad could take City to a new level in the Champions League.
“We need titles in Europe, but that is so complicated. To win titles we need to start with nights like this so the people understand it.
“Maybe not tomorrow, but with what this club has done in last 10 years in terms of creating a lot of facilities. Of course with a lot of investment, but there are a lot of people working here with the desire that sooner or later that is going to happen.”
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