Pep Guardiola has downplayed Manchester City's chances of reaching the latter stages of the Champions League despite their remarkable comeback win at Schalke.
City's 10 men produced a stunning turnaround in Germany on Wednesday evening, having fallen behind to two Nabil Bentaleb penalties after Sergio Aguero had given them the lead.
Leroy Sane came back to haunt his old club by coming off the bench to hit a spectacular free-kick before Raheem Sterling grabbed a dramatic last-gasp winner to put City in the ascendancy of the last-16 tie.
Historically, City have not fared well in this competition but despite already having one foot in the quarter-finals, Guardiola has insisted his side are still not equipped to go all the way this season on the basis of Wednesday's performance.
He told BT Sport: 'It was a great result, we gave the first penalty, we gave the second penalty, we gave the red card, so that competition is not good, too much things, so still we’re not ready to fight for the latter stages, that’s the reality, but the result is really good.
'We played good, we started really well, but still we lost some easy balls when we’re not allowed to do that in this competition.'
Despite the contentious decision to award Schalke's first penalty, which saw the referee unable to review the off-pitch video monitor and VAR deliberate over the incident for four minutes, Guardiola surprisingly defended the technology after the game.
He added: 'I trust VAR, i’m a big fan of that, penalty is a penalty. I have arguments sometimes, but not this one, I think it’s penalty first one, second one, and red card.
'We gave two goals when they didn’t do absolutely anything. The game was quite good, in the end the quality was from Leroy.'
yiwdkrtz
0
I agree with the coach, when I see the athletic vs juv match I don't think city is as tough and ready as those teams they might win but it wouldnt be easy
Renadmtz
0
I also think we are not ready for latter stages of the competition. If they keep playing this way I think we are out of the competition
brinco
0
I think unlike others City got a favorable opponent in these quarter finals. The real deal shall start if they go thru. It won't be easy Whoever they meet...
That's true mate
zieikmory
0
OK pep is doing well but we need more focus n dtermintn 2 take de league
Nutaopsz
1
when will they be ready! pep be positive! we got the talents.
Nidbkotyz
0
I think unlike others City got a favorable opponent in these quarter finals. The real deal shall start if they go thru. It won't be easy Whoever they meet...
ManCityFanForever
1
ManCity💙
BlessingMugo
0
City's got class That's where Liverpool trails
DaffCoiled
2
well spoken Pep. I think for us to keep on going in this competition, we need to be more clinical, avoid simple mistakes, we shouldn't underestimate our opponents and above all be determined. we had a good game yesterday but it wasn't convincing enough. we lacked composure. I hope all these could be addressed before we get into the next stage because I bet you, no opponent will be like Shalke.City4life#
amedave11
5
Pep is such a personality, he makes those who hates him want to commit suicide...legendary coach, you will forever be remembered
philipsililo
6
I love this man he knows football and he understands the VAR
Vidbcenu
1
Yeah he's the manager he knows football but I see city doing wonders this season , they play very well. Coming from behind with one man down and beating that German team , wasn't an easy thing am not going to underrate city. Come on sharks you can do it.
McWay
0
I do like Pep's personality. He doesn't want to give his players pressure with having higher expectations.
himdeopz
0
okay
VřiÏmmü
0
super class manager ...
JAMESRMA10
0
Honest comments from Pep. No complaints concerning two penalties and a red card given against City. He thinks City are not ready to fight for the latter stages. That¿s the reality. His team management during the game was excellent.
society
0
Value PL over CL anyday. Only teams clinging onto to relevance cite winning this Cup as some sort of test. It can be won with 8 victories, how about 100 points, 100 plus goals, biggest goal difference, most away wins, youngest ever PL winner, all in best most challenging league in Europe?
Randoothem
0
Really don't care. Yes would love to win it, but winning the league is the be all, and end all, (ask the scousers). UEFA decide who is flavour of the month, (refs / VAR), but not bitter, realistic. Btw, had a season ticket from 1976, so might confuse some people but, champions are teams that win the league, not finishing second, third or fourth.
danriwbik
3
City can do better, at least they have courage unlike other teams 🤔
alanzo007
3
I agree Boss. If it wasn't for couple individuals Brilliance we would lose the game against Schalke. Our Fans booing of the Anthem seem to demoralize the players. We need this Trophy 🏆 to be name among the Greatest Teams. We struggle against Teams we ought to be Beating convincingly. C'mon CITY. We have a Team to win it even this year. CITY4LIFE
huaknuy
0
Even pep knew city are not winning this one, not this year...
He is not God
stenco2017
3
Even pep knew city are not winning this one, not this year...
elMago21city
0
Well said Pep. Though we realistically might not win the UCL, we can create our own history by going further than we've ever gone.
We’ve been to the semis
cityzenOg
1
Well said Pep. Though we realistically might not win the UCL, we can create our own history by going further than we've ever gone.
Wotcipuz
0
all tour fault pep .we could have won everything if only you made use of the transfer window after the Liverpool massacre
Godwinwhizee77
2
What a strike from Sane, When will city win Champions League