It’s not the first time someone has said this, but it seems as though the universe is sending a message for Manchester City to win the Champions League this year.
After defeating RB Leipzig in the round of 16 with a total of seven goals, Man City also defeated Bayern Munich in the fourth quarter.
The Citizens had a 3-0 lead heading into the second leg at the Allianz Arena but drew 1-1 to advance to the semifinals against Real Madrid.
There is no need for City supporters to relive their beloved team’s painful Champions League losses. They have suffered excruciating losses to Monaco in 2017, Tottenham in 2019, and Real Madrid in the past.
In the meantime, Pep Guardiola has been extensively criticized for his tactics in the shocking losses to Lyon in 2020 and Chelsea in 2021.
However, the Catalan coach is making a remarkable breakthrough, having reconstructed the defense and reinvigorated Jack Grealish’s frightening form. And in Erling Haaland, he has a superlative striker who is shattering all scoring records.
Haaland’s Champions League fortitude
Any opponent of Manchester City is terrified of what Haaland could do to them.
Seven goals have been tallied in his last three Champions League matches. He would have scored six or seven more goals against RB Leipzig had Guardiola not substituted him with an hour remaining.
And he demonstrated that he is more than a player who can only score in simple games by scoring and assisting against one of the best teams in the world, Bayern Munich.
Haaland is desperate at the most crucial juncture of the season, having scored 15 goals in his last seven matches and breaking Mohamed Salah’s Premier League record of 32 goals in 38 games.
Guardiola recalled that scoring in the Champions League has not been a problem for City in the past and that the club has frequently allowed opponents to tie or win in the final minute. However, they missed numerous obvious opportunities in crucial situations. The issue was resolved as Haaland tallied 16 goals on his last 21 shots.
Guardiola is always able to motivate his players
How many other managers are able to release their best two fullbacks in the middle of the season and retool the defense so that the team does not feel left out?
Guardiola did the same with Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker.
Cancelo had been one of City’s most influential players over the previous two seasons, but the manager opted for the more defensive-minded Nathan Ake at left-back.
Cancelo protested his exclusion from the team, so Guardiola loaned him to Bayern Munich.
In addition, he determined that Walker was unsuitable for the newly constructed defense. He stated that the England icon “couldn’t do it” in public.
It is a stark reminder that Guardiola never allows any of his players to become secure.
He has also publicly criticized Kevin De Bruyne’s performance and instructed Haaland to be more involved in the team’s play, in addition to keeping the Norwegian content despite frequently substituting him early in games.
And he is not hesitant to name the team, as he did in January after a 4-2 victory over Tottenham with his bizarre “happy flowers” speech.
Some may interpret Guardiola’s statement as disorienting, but he is actually asserting his authority over the team. In the 17 matches since, City has recorded 14 victories.
They have won 10 consecutive games in all competitions and are closing the gap on Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
Guardiola cautioned his players last week that “if we lose, it’s over” and is working to prepare them. This tenacious endeavor will likely be the deciding factor in whether or not they win the Champions League.
Ruben Dias is back to the best version
Man City’s victory over Bayern may once again be credited to Haaland, but the true credit goes to the defense.
Thomas Tuchel’s squad had only one shot in the first half, and even though Bayern tried Ederson several times after the break, it was mostly long-range efforts that the Brazilians attempted. readily obstructed.
Dias has been a dependable defender, thwarting everything Bayern has sent his way, while Manuel Akanji and Ake have also been outstanding.
John Stones is also exceptional, frequently switching between creating a midfield duo with Rodri and covering at right back.
Not only was the defense impressive against Bayern, but City has the greatest defensive record in the Champions League, conceding just four goals in ten games while keeping a clean sheet. in six of their previous ten matches across all competitions.
Both of Man City’s matches against Real Madrid in 2022 were marred by last-second defensive errors. Now, however, Pep’s defense appears to be very solid, and their defense is also quite unique in order to generate more control at the back.
De Bruyne regains high form
De Bruyne is the greatest player Guardiola has worked with since Lionel Messi and the best player he has worked with at Man City. Recently, De Bruyne became the fastest player in Premier League history to attain 100 assists.
However, Guardiola frequently indicates that he wants De Bruyne to perform better, as he recognizes the Belgian player’s talent and class.
The fact that De Bruyne has scored 9 goals and provided 23 assists in all competitions this season is a testament to his quality.
Earlier in the season, De Bruyne was not in good form, and he was left on the bench for the loss to Tottenham. Since then, he has progressively returned in better shape.
In the February victory over Arsenal, De Bruyne contributed a goal and an assist, and he is presently in fine form. De Bruyne has 7 assists and 2 goals in his last seven matches for Man City, including outstanding performances against Leipzig and Liverpool.
With splits and direct hits to the middle, he placed the opponent in a difficult position and enabled Haaland to score numerous goals. With his current form, De Bruyne can help Manchester City capture the Champions League this season alongside his teammates.
Jack Grealish 2.0
Grealish was limited to a supporting role in the Champions League last season, failing to appear in any quarterfinal games.
In fact, he is predominantly remembered for an altercation with Stefan Savic of Atletico Madrid in the tunnel and a missed opportunity against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
However, he is now in his second season with City and could be the team’s second-best player behind Haaland this year.
It took some time, but Grealish has become the ideal player for Guardiola, giving his all in defense (watch his energetic surge to stop Mohamed Salah) and doing precisely what Guardiola does. want to remain on the offensive.
Jack is currently the mastermind behind Guardiola’s winning engine.