on Monday called on his
Manchester City players to control their emotions if they are to reach a first ever Champions
League final as they take a 2-1 lead into the second leg of their semi-final
against
Paris Saint-Germain.اضافة اعلان
City came from behind with a stunning second-half
performance in the French capital last week to take a giant step towards a goal
they have been chasing ever since Sheikh Mansour’s takeover in 2008 transformed
the club’s fortunes.
Guardiola has won the Champions League twice as a coach when
in charge of Barcelona, but has failed to do so in the past 10 years as he has
suffered numerous agonising exits from Europe’s premier club competition as
Barca, Bayern Munich and City boss.
City moved to the brink of sealing a third Premier League title
in four years at the weekend and Guardiola urged his side to maintain the same
focus they have all season to see off PSG on Tuesday.
“The second-leg of semi-final always the toughest game, more
than the final. We have to control our emotions to do exactly what we have to
do,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference.
“You cannot play 90 minutes like we played in the second
half (in Paris). I would love to but it won’t happen.
“You have to understand it will be a big battle and we are
going to suffer. They have to visualize that we are going to do it.
“What we have to do is not different to what we have done
over the last seven months. Go out and play our game and win.”
PSG are also dreaming of winning the Champions League for
the first time, but if they are to progress to the final for a second
consecutive season, they will need to score at least twice at the Etihad.
City have not conceded more than once in a Champions League
game all season as the centre-back partnership of Ruben Dias and John Stones
has eradicated the sort of defensive lapses that have cost Guardiola’s men in
previous years in this competition.
Stones admitted the English champions-elect have to remain
wary of the “world class” talents of PSG star duo Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, but
said City are confident of finally getting to the final
“I think (we are) quietly confident, we have to be. It is a
big occasion for us as players and as a club, a chance to get into a Champions
League final,” said Stones.
“We have got to go into it where we left off. We are really
confident and excited for the challenge ahead.”
Mbappe is an injury doubt after sitting out Saturday’s 2-1
win over Lens due to a calf strain.
The French World Cup winner has travelled to Manchester with
the rest of the PSG squad and Guardiola dismissed any suggestion he won’t be
available.
“He is going to play,” added Guardiola. “I am looking
forward to him playing, for the football and the game itself.”
Read more football news
.jpg)
.jpg)
