Pep Guardiola admits Phil Foden was ‘grumpy’ after the substitution against Real Madrid, claims ‘Etihad will be sold out’ next week

Pep Guardiola says that star man Phil Foden wasn't happy when he was subbed off against Real Madrid.

Pep Guardiola admits Phil Foden was ‘grumpy’ after the substitution against Real Madrid, claims ‘Etihad will be sold out’ next week

Pep Guardiola subbed off Phil Foden in the final minutes of the game (Via X/@brfootball & centregoals)

Manchester City looked like a side in total control when the ball fell at the feet of their prolific No.47 Phil Foden during yesterday’s match. The Champions League title holders were given a run for their money at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night. The Cityzens, despite being without star man Kevin De Bruyne, were nothing short of their best best thanks to Foden.

Despite his mind-blowing performance against a mighty Madrid side, Pep Guardiola made the decision to sub him off in the final minutes of the game. However, the Man City boss justified his decision, citing how Foden picked up a knock in the last minutes. Julian Alvarez replaced him as he hobbled off the pitch with the support of the medical staff.

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It was a knock. He was grumpy with me because I made the substitution but he scored a fantastic goal.
Pep Guardiola said in a post-match interview

The City boss will be feeling confident as his side have all to play for at the Etihad. With just eight days to go, both sides will be feeling the pressure, having both been named as favorites to lift the title this season.

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Man City boss feeling confident of home support ahead of second leg clash

Manchester City were held to a 3-3 draw after an exhilarating 90 minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Cityzens led the game both at the start as well as in the second half of the match. Despite brilliant goals from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol, a late stunner from Federico Valverde meant that either side shared the spoils on the night. Pep Guardiola appeared to be confident when talking of the return leg at the Etihad, just over a week later.

Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola assures that the Etihad will be sold out for the second leg (Via IMAGO & X/@centregoals)
It will not be like last season, but we have our people. It (Etihad) will be sold out and we need their energy for the full 90 minutes to try and beat the king of this competition. They will score one goal, that's for sure.
Pep Guardiola said in a post-match interview

City were brilliant last season, as they dismantled Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate. If the first leg can be seen as a prelude for what’s to come, fans can expect fireworks at the Etihad. City will most likely have Kevin De Bruyne fit to face the Los Blancos. Guardiola clarified that the Belgian was not ‘ready’ to start the game and hence, had to sit on the bench.

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