Guardiola admits tough task as Manchester City draw Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in Champions League play-offs

Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the significant challenge his Manchester City side faces after being drawn against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the Champions League play-offs.

City secured their place in the play-offs with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Club Brugge at the Etihad Stadium. The Premier League champions were on the brink of elimination but mounted a comeback with goals from Mateo Kovacic, an own goal by Joel Ordonez, and a strike from Savinho.

Reacting to the draw, Guardiola admitted that both potential opponents currently have the upper hand over City.

“Going to Bayern Munich or Real Madrid will be really tough,” Guardiola said. “They are better than us right now, both of them, but I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next two weeks.”

The City boss, however, remained optimistic, highlighting the potential return of key players, including Ruben Dias, Nathan Aké, Jérémy Doku, and Oscar Bobb, which he believes could bolster their chances.

“We have a few players back, the new signings back, so hopefully we can do two good games,” Guardiola added.

The first leg of the play-offs is scheduled to take place in two weeks, with City looking to assert their dominance on the European stage after winning the competition in 2023.