Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has disclosed that Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne requested to be substituted during their team's Champions League quarter-final defeat to Real Madrid. The second leg at the Etihad Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw, resulting in a penalty shootout that saw City lose 4-2 after the first leg had finished 3-3.
The match was tightly contested, with neither side able to find a breakthrough in regular time or extra time, leading to the decisive penalty shootout. Unfortunately for City, Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic failed to convert their penalties, sealing their elimination from the competition.
Guardiola revealed in the post-match press conference that several City players, including Manu Akanji, Erling Haaland, and Kevin De Bruyne, requested to be substituted before the shootout due to injury concerns. The manager's decision to replace the players was influenced by their inability to continue playing at full fitness.
Despite the disappointment of their Champions League exit, Guardiola commended his team's efforts throughout the match and emphasized the physical toll that the game took on his players. He acknowledged the importance of player welfare and the need to prioritize their health and well-being, especially in high-pressure situations like penalty shootouts.
The revelation of Haaland and De Bruyne's injury struggles sheds light on the challenges faced by City during the match and underscores the physical demands of top-level football. Guardiola's decision to heed the players' requests reflects his commitment to their welfare and highlights the importance of effective squad management in navigating demanding fixtures.
Looking ahead, Guardiola expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back from their Champions League disappointment and focus on their remaining objectives. While acknowledging the disappointment of their exit, he emphasized the need to regroup and refocus on their domestic and European ambitions.
Guardiola's disclosure regarding Haaland and De Bruyne's injury concerns provides insight into the challenges faced by Manchester City during their Champions League quarter-final defeat to Real Madrid. The manager's decision to prioritize player welfare underscores the importance of health and fitness in elite-level football and reflects his commitment to his players' well-being.
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