Guardiola takes drastic action on eve of crucial Man City vs Real Madrid clash

Manchester City are aiming to stage a Champions League comeback against Real Madrid and boss Pep Guardiola has taken a novel approach to his side’s preparations

Manchester City will not train the day before their Champions League clash with Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola has confirmed. The Premier League side welcome the Spanish giants to the Etihad Stadium this week for the second leg of their last-16 clash.

City are already 3-0 down ahead of that game - Federico Valverde’s hat-trick having seen Real race into a stunning lead at the Bernabeu. Despite Guardiola’s side needing an almost flawless performance to get themselves back into the tie, the Spanish coach has given his players time off due to their packed schedule.

They will not be taking to the training pitches the day before the game, with focus instead being on recovery. While Guardiola’s move is unusual given the importance of the game, it is not unprecedented. The former Barcelona boss also gave his side time off before a league stage showdown with Borussia Dortmund earlier this season.

Speaking at the time, he said: "We will train tomorrow [Monday] morning. I've done it a few times - maybe not a lot but a few times.

"Bournemouth was so demanding that I prefer they stay at home and tomorrow morning we train. No-one is going to change the schedule because we have a lot of competitions so it is what it is."

And while Guardiola has given players time off, he has already sent his squad a strong warning. He suggested that any stars who don’t believe that the side could come back would be best served not attending the game.

Speaking after the weekend draw against West Ham United, Guardiola said: “If they don't believe, it's a problem. They are adults. They have good salaries.

"If they don't believe in that in the Champions League, go home, stay home. We have to try. What do we have to lose?

"Madrid never came back in history? I don't know how many - 50 Champions League games, they never came back from 3-0? Of course, it's a tough result. But we have to try, for respect for the people, for fans, for our job, you know?"

Following the clash with Real, City will then turn their attention back to their fading Premier League title hopes. Guardiola’s side currently sit nine points adrift of Arsenal after being held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham at the weekend. The Gunners beat Everton with two late goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Max Dowman.