Serious Pep Guardiola towards Champions League contest with Copenhagen: ‘In football, everything can happen’

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Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola showed seriousness ahead of his team’s match against Copenhagen in the ongoing Champions League race by saying that ‘everything can happen’ in football, among other things.

The Premier League gaffer who earns his keep at Manchester did not show any atom of disrespect for their future opponents whom they beat three goals to one during the first leg.

Guardiola’s exact words as published by the club’s official website was:

‘In football everything can happen, and we have to be aware of that,” said Pep.

‘We have respect for Copenhagen and how they play. The Champions League is Champions League. The best eight teams in Europe [will move to the next round].

‘We have the chance to be in quarter-finals again and this is the target. We’re not far off that.

‘The way Copenhagen defend – they are compact – and all the movements they do really well.

‘I am always aware of the opponents, but I especially look at our players.

‘We struggled there last season; Bayern Munich were not able to win in Copenhagen.

‘They play two years in a row with the same manager, and they have a strong striker. They are compact and do really good movements.

‘My concern is always there. Otherwise I would not be here, but I prefer to start 3-1 up rather than 0-1 down.

‘I would like us to be ahead 7-0, but that normally doesn’t happen in the Champions League. I want us to perform the way we have to do.

‘Red cards or bad decisions can happen in football. If we conceded another goal in the group stages, we are second in the table and the draw would have been Real Madrid not Copenhagen.

‘In football the details make the difference. Prepare well, mentally and read what they have to do.

‘Respect Copenhagen, because this competition deserves it.’

Copenhagen will be likely looking to revenge the home defeat.