IF I WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, THE MAN CITY ERA WILL BE ASSESSED, SAYS GUARDIOLA

Although Pep Guardiola has led Manchester City to nine major championships, the Spaniard claimed that if he leads them to their first Champions League trophy will determine the course of his managerial tenure at the Premier League side.

Guardiola has led City to four Premier League crowns, one FA Cup, and four League Cup victories, but the English club’s highest result in the competition was runners-up in 2021. As manager of Barcelona, he won the trophy twice.

Guardiola responded in the affirmative when questioned by reporters if winning the trophy with City would define his achievement in the eyes of the general public. Although I don’t necessarily concur, we will be evaluated for that competition.

“Are you here to win the Champions League?” they questioned me before my first Champions League game here (in 2016). Although I accept it, I could understand if I managed Real Madrid. No matter what we go through, that won’t alter.

Tuesday’s second leg of City’s last-16 match will be played at home against RB Leipzig. The first game finished in a 1-1 draw.

Despite Erling Haaland’s 34 goals this season, Guardiola claimed there was still potential for growth in the Norwegian’s overall game.

“I don’t enjoy it when a player only scores goals in the penalty box. It’s crucial; we depend on him for it,” he remarked.

But we need him to be more aggressive outside of the opponents’ box, where he cannot score. He must be examined by us, and he must be included in our efforts. He’s gotten better, and he can get better.

In his career, Haaland has scored six goals against Leipzig.

Despite a slower scoring rate this season following a strong start, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne stated the team was still pleased with his performance.

“I feel like in the beginning of the season when everything was going in and we were winning a lot of games there was nothing going wrong,” De Bruyne added.

“I don’t think there is a problem. I haven’t had any communication from the team, Erling, or anyone else.

“People on the street will evaluate our play. We may play a different brand of football in some games than we do in others or in other seasons. But in other contests, such against Crystal Palace at home (where Haaland scored three times in a 4-2 victory), he gave us the victory.

At Palace, Haaland also scored the game-winning penalty.