Manchester City Player Advocates for Exclusion of Real Madrid from Champions League Qualifiers
Manchester City star Savinho voiced his thoughts on his team's participation in the Champions League playoffs, expressing his belief that neither City nor Real Madrid should be in this stage of the competition. The updated Champions League format led to Manchester City and Real Madrid missing out on direct qualification for the Round of 16, finishing 22nd and 11th respectively in the group stage.
Savinho, who had a brief encounter with Real Madrid during his loan spell at Girona last season, expressed his views on the teams' performance in Europe. "We, as Manchester City, can't play in the play-offs," he said. He added that Real Madrid, being one of the biggest names in football, should have done better to avoid the playoffs as well.
Though he's excited about facing his former opponents, Savinho is aware of the challenges that lie ahead. He's learned from his past experience at Girona that having the upper hand in terms of possession and chances isn't enough to win the game. He emphasized the importance of finishing opportunities to compete effectively against Real Madrid.
Savinho also mentioned that Real Madrid's reputation often leads to complacency in some situations, enabling them to stage remarkable comebacks in the last minutes of matches. This belief, coupled with the pressure to perform well in front of their massive fanbase, adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming faceoff.
As for his former teammates, Savinho had discussions with Bernardo Silva and Real Madrid players during international duty. They shared their insights on the Madrid's legendary ability to complete remarkable come-backs late in the game. With that in mind, Savinho stressed the importance of staying focused, utilizing scoring chances, and remaining resilient throughout the match.
Savinho noted that the business aspect of football might play a role in Real Madrid's performance, as the team's massive sports money revenue could potentially lead to higher expectations, which might sometimes result in complacency. He also pointed out that the financial stakes of advancing in the Champions League could significantly impact both Manchester City and Real Madrid, pushing them to give their best in the playoffs.
