Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called on his players to show character and respond in the right way as they prepare for a demanding UEFA Champions League clash away to Bodø/Glimt, stressing that European nights leave no room for complacency, Softfootball reports.
The City boss also acknowledged the importance of reacting positively after recent setbacks, urging his players to show character, adaptability and togetherness away from home.
Speaking to the press via the club’s official X handle, Guardiola highlighted the impressive rise of the Norwegian side and stressed the importance of adapting quickly to the conditions.
They told me five or six years ago they were in the second division, now playing in the Champions League and last season’s semi-final of the Europa League. Huge respect. We respect them massively. We had a meeting before and I told them, guys they are a really good team. It will be cold, the pitch, we have to adapt as quick as possible and hopefully we can perform what we have to do.
Manchester City will be looking to bounce back from their league defeat against Manchester United, a game where Guardiola himself admitted his side were completely outplayed by their city rivals, and he will be hoping his players show a strong reaction on the European stage.
Guardiola also took time to praise City’s latest signing Marc Guéhi, following the Crystal Palace captain’s arrival in a deal worth over £20 million. The City boss spoke highly of Guéhi’s leadership qualities, defensive intelligence and personality, backing the England international to settle quickly and become an important part of the squad.
