On the eve of another colossal European clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City, Pep Guardiola was met with a wave of questions about Xabi Alonso in the pre-game press conference.
Empathy for Xabi Alonso: “He knows the reality”
Guardiola opened
by expressing deep empathy for Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, a former colleague from their Bayern Munich days.
“I empathize with Xabi Alonso because we worked together and it was an incredible experience. We shared many things. Barça and Madrid are difficult to manage because of the pressure, the environment… He knows the reality and everything revolves around winning matches.”
The Manchester City boss pointed to Madrid’s volatile demands as something unique in the football world.
“Managing Real Madrid is the most difficult job in football. If I performed the way I did last season as a Real Madrid manager, I would’ve been sacked in six months.”
On Last Season vs. Now: “We can leave a legacy”
Reflecting on City’s previous meetings with Real Madrid, Guardiola suggested that the dynamic has shifted.
“Last year’s matchups were good, but we were in transition. Now, the players we have can leave a legacy. At some point, you have to take the next step.
“It’s a great place to come and test ourselves as a team. Big stadiums are always big stadiums. All of them have their own mystique. These matches are always special.”
On Xabi’s Future: “I wish him all the best”
Guardiola was continually asked about Xabi Alonso’s job security — a subject dominating Spanish football headlines.
“I wish Xabi all the best, but his future is an answer I don’t know. You all know the situation better than I do; I’m far removed from it. I haven’t spoken with Florentino, and he hasn’t told me that tomorrow will be Xabi’s last match.
“If you don’t win big games, things get difficult. But Xabi is in control and knows what this is about. To beat Real Madrid in this competition, it’s not enough to be better — you have to be much better.”
Pep’s punchline: “Let Xabi pee with his own”
And then, with a grin, Guardiola dropped the line he knew would dominate social media and morning newspapers:
“Let Xabi pee with his own. And since he won’t be peeing cologne, it’ll be fine for him. You’ll see. There’s your headline.”
