City needs to forget history when facing Real, says Guardiola

The Manchester City needs to draw on its collective strength to beat Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal, says Pep Guardiola.

Pep Guardiola looks on during the Manchester City training session in Manchester, England, on Monday.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says his team, which faces Real Madrid in its Champions League semifinal, first-leg on Tuesday, needs to put aside the different European pedigrees of the two clubs and draw on its collective strength.

Real has won Europe’s top trophy a record 13 times while City remains in search of its first Champions League title after losing in the final to Chelsea last year.

“If we have to compete with their history, we don't have a chance. It speaks for itself,” said the former Barcelona coach, when reminded of the contrasting records of the two clubs.

“We have the desire to compete against them. For us playing against them is an incredible test and we want to try it. (We will) suffer when we suffer, (but) stick together. Try to do as best as possible.”

‘Eleven v eleven and one ball moving’

Guardiola also talked down the significance of the role of himself and Carlo Ancelotti in the game, saying that in the Champions League, games are won by the decision-making of players on the field. “History is there, we can't change it, but it's eleven against eleven and one ball moving. The players decide their decision making,” he said.

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“You can imagine a plan but it's eleven v eleven, the quality of the (players), how strong they are, it will make a difference. This game is players, it won't be Carlo or myself who win it.”

There is some history that is in City's favour, however - two years ago Guardiola's side knocked the current La Liga leader out of the competition in the last 16 stage after winning both legs 2-1.

City may have to take on Real without its first choice right back Kyle Walker and central defender John Stones, who are both doubtful with injuries. Walker has been struggling with an ankle injury picked up against Atletico Madrid in the previous round and Stones is battling with a hamstring strain he gained in the midweek win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

“They are doubts, Kyle didn't train in the last 10 days, John since Brighton. That's why, I don't know if they will train. We see how they feel, (and) tomorrow take a decision,” said Guardiola.

Liverpool faces Villarreal in the other semifinal, at Anfield, on Wednesday.