Two days after the bitter defeat in Madrid, Pep Guardiola (51), to put it mildly, in the corner has a lot to say.

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The Manchester City manager spoke more or less continuously for 21 minutes at Friday’s press conference.

Among other things, he totally disagreed that the Champions League exit was a “flause”, and hit back hard at those who accused the players of “lack of character and mental strength”.

Now it’s about coming out victorious from a very close golden game against Liverpool taking into account Madrid’s experience.

Time went on for 89 minutes and Manchester City seemed to have the last place empty-handed, but then Rodrygo scored twice on the rap and provided extra innings, in which Karim Benzema decided in Spain’ favor.

– They shouldn’t forget it. How will they forget that? “We will play against Newcastle and think about it, of course,” said Guardiola.

He then went on to reason at length about Real Madrid’s history, that the same thing could happen again next year and that they still remember the offside goal that Raheem Sterling canceled out against Tottenham, which ensured that they were knocked out of the Champions League in 2019.

– Maybe I’m not good enough to help the team cope. Nobody knows what will happen to another player or manager, said Guardiola of the Champions League trophy Manchester City still lack.

He still emphasized at the same time that it was inappropriate to give up.

This is not the first time that one of Pep Guardiola’s side has collapsed in an important battlebut he disagrees that his team has mental problems.

– Not enough time for mental problems, they scored 45 seconds later. There’s no time to calm down, says Guardiola – and continues:

– Lack of character? What happens if Jack Grealish scores two goals? Where is the character against Atlético where Ederson saves a shot for Correa? said Guardiola, and went on to mention some marginal situations.

– It’s about margins and we have to deal with it, he said.

One point separates Manchester City and Liverpool with four games left to play, favoring the former.

Guardiola said he had not spoken to the players after what happened on Wednesday.

– We don’t talk together. No words can make us feel better. “It’s just a matter of time, sleeping and thinking about the next goal,” said the Manchester City manager.

In the Liverpool camp, they regard Manchester City as a wounded and dangerous animal.

– This is a hard hit for them, it’s very hard. I had a night like that, it wasn’t fun. The next morning isn’t much fun either, but then there comes a time when you need to start focusing. They will be ready to face Newcastle on Sunday, said Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.