Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained why Real Madrid eliminated his team from the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Guardiola watched as Real Madrid upset Manchester City in a penalty shootout on Wednesday night at the Etihad Stadium.
The Champions League quarter-final second leg contest finished in a 1-1 draw, thanks to goals from Rodrygo and Kevin De Bruyne.
Both teams played a 3-3 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu last week.
Speaking at his post-match interview after the game, Guardiola said that Madrid defeated his team because the Spanish La Liga leaders defended deeper than previous seasons.
According to the Spaniard, City did not convert the chances they had against the visitors, adding that his team gave their best but it was not good enough.
“Congratulations to Real Madrid – they defended so deep with incredible solidarity,” Guardiola said.
“We did everything. I don’t have any regrets about what we have done.
“Always as managers we try to create more and concede less in every single game because that helps to win. We did everything, defensively and offensively.
“They made a good goal. There were two, three, four transitions but it is normal at that level with the quality they have.
“We played exceptionally in all departments. Unfortunately, we could not win. It is what it is.”
“Two years ago we won 4-3, we played outstanding and last season as well,” Guardiola added.
“They defended deeper than previous seasons and we created the chances to do it but football is about scoring goals. They did it better than us.
“The way we played, we should have done it before. We did not convert the chances we had and we defended the transition really well.
“Everyone was at a high level. To beat Real Madrid, we had to perform our best. We were our best but it was not enough.”
(DailyPost)