Pep Guardiola instructed blunt reality earlier than Real Madrid as Man City in ‘harm limitation mode’
One former Arsenal and Chelsea star is convinced Manchester City have no chance of getting past Real Madrid and reaching the Champions League knockout phase
William Gallas reckons Pep Guardiola and Manchester City would end their nightmare season now if given the chance.
And the former France, Chelsea and Arsenal star is convinced City have no chance of getting past Real Madrid in their two-legged Champions League play-off.
Speaking to Prime Casino, Gallas said: “I think City is going to find it hard to get into the knockout rounds. We know Real Madrid, what they are doing right now.
“They do this every season, they don’t start the competition very well, but game by game, they improve and then they normally end up winning the Champion League.
“Neither team has qualified for the last 16 directly. You have to say that is a bit strange for both of these clubs. I think Madrid is going to go through. It’s been a difficult season for Manchester City, we all know that.
“I think it’s not only in the Champions League. I mean, even in the Premier League, they’re (City) having a really difficult moment. Pep tried to find the solution to boost them, but it looks like they are in damage limitation mode, and they just want the season to be finished right now.”
Gallas reckons the fact one of City or Real will fail to make it to the knockout stages serves as a warning to other big clubs to get through the group stage quickly in seasons to come. He added: “In the Champions League, with that new system, some people like it, some people don’t.
“When you see a team like City potentially go out very quickly, it shows everybody for next season that you need to be ready to qualify directly for the last eight, and you also get the bonus of playing two less games, so you can rest.
“I like the new system. In the last round, every game was on the same day, and it was interesting to see how the table changed. It’s added an element of jeopardy and suspense. For a competition like this, every club has to give everything to try and qualify.”
