Pep Guardiola gives his Manchester City squad the day off ahead of Real Madrid clash | OneFootball

Manchester City face Real Madrid tomorrow night at the Etihad Stadium in the second leg of their Round of 16 UEFA Champions League tie. Pep Guardiola’s side will be looking to fight back from a 3-0 deficit after their heavy defeat at the Bernabeu last week. The City squad was due to train today, but Pep Guardiola has given his squad the day off ahead of tomorrow night’s almost impossible mission.

The Manchester City squad has been given a day off from training.

Jack Gaughan has reported for the Daily Mail that Pep Guardiola has given his Manchester City squad today off from training. The City squad was due to train today ahead of tomorrow night’s match. Instead, the City squad will have a day to rest before tomorrow night’s match. That may be a smart move by Pep Guardiola, given how important tomorrow night’s match is and with the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal also on the horizon.

Pep Guardiola wants his team to be prepared to take on the impossible tomorrow night against Real Madrid.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was in a fighting mood ahead of Tuesday night’s clash with Real Madrid. Speaking after his team’s 1-all draw with West Ham, Guardiola said his players have to believe that they can overcome a 3-0 deficit. He said if any of his players believe that they cannot, they should stay home. Guardiola told the media: “If they don’t believe, it’s his problem. They are adults, they have good salaries, mum and dad, well educated. If they don’t believe, in the Champions League, go home! Stay at home! We have to try, what do we have to lose?!”

Manchester City defender Marc Guehi has echoed Pep Guardiola’s sentiments. The England international said that the City squad has to believe that they can overcome an almost impossible situation. Guehi said on mancity.com: “If you go into these games and don’t believe, there’s no point in turning up to play.”

“It’s important we rally everyone and we’re ready to go again. We pick ourselves up – it’s the next game and the next most important thing. We’ll make sure we go for that game and believe that we can turn it around.”

The Manchester City squad has been given today off ahead of a massive week for Pep Guardiola’s side. That may be a good move for the City squad. It could give Pep Guardiola’s squad the opportunity to prepare themselves mentally for the challenge that lies ahead tomorrow night at the Etihad. As Marc Guehi and Pep Guardiola explained, City have to believe if they are to overcome an almost insurmountable 3-0 deficit against Real Madrid. Having a day off may give the City players the opportunity to refresh ahead of a huge match tomorrow.