Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has disputed Pep Guardiola on his comment on the much-anticipated Champions League quarterfinal clash against Real Madrid next week, MySportDab reports
Manchester City were paired against the LaLiga giants in 2023/24 Champions League Quarterfinal draw – a rematch of 2022/23 semifinal.
The Cityzens will hope to build on their gains on the European scene as they brace up to defend the coveted club trophy in Europe.
Speaking before Manchester City’s Premier League cracker against Arsenal at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola descended into a furious rant, basting England national football associations for a congested schedule that would offer City no chance to prepare for the game against Real Madrid.
The Spaniard said his opponents Real Madrid will have literally nine days, not playing any other match, before the game while Manchester City have two more fixtures after the Arsenal match before squaring up with the European giants.
Even after the first leg, City will still face a congested schedule before the second-leg against the 14-time European champions.
“Madrid have nine days to prepare for the game. They play this weekend an not again until our game. Here, I am asking just for a day. One more day to prepare. We are playing literally every three days before the game,” Guardiola said.
Reacting to Pep Guardiola’s comment, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said he is happy Real Madrid have more time to prepare for the game as Guardiola said but added that will not influence the game.
“This is football, I’m happy with nine days to prepare City game. We have a small advantage yes…”.
“But this won’t influence the game. We have time to prepare the game and we’ll do our best,” Ancelotti said (via Fabrizio Romano)
Manchester City will travel to take on Real Madrid in the first leg of the much-anticiparted Champions League clash on Tuesday, April 9 before hosting the return-leg at Etihad on Wednesday, April 13.
