JAKARTA - Manchester City coach, Josep Guardiola has an unusual way to spur his team's enthusiasm to shine in the Champions League. He challenged the Citizens players to be cruel like Lionel Messi.
Last season, City lost to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after previously being held to a draw by RB Leipzig. The result made City have to fight until the last game to be able to top the group.
Quoted from the Manchester Evening News, Thursday, Pep's unique challenges and ways to boost his squad spirit can be seen in footage of City's new documentary. Pep conveyed this to the team in the dressing room, before they took to the pitch against Club Brugge.
"Do you know why (Lionel) Messi is the best player I have ever seen in my life? Because he is a tough competitor, he is an animal," Guardiola said.
Pep continued, Messi is able to pass the ball and enter the penalty box like a robot and can smell the smell of goals. He wants his players to behave like that on the pitch.
After delivering that message, The Citizens then won 5-1 from Brugge and finished top of the group. Although in the end the English Premier League club had to lose to Real Madrid in the semifinals.
Currently, Pep is trying hard to push City to be able to win the Champions League, where it is a title they have never felt so far. With an attempt to dominate in the Premier League, City could be like PSG who continue to focus on winning the Champions League title.
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