Guardiola awaits ‘aggressive’ Atletico Madrid response to prompt potential Man City change
Pep Guardiola is wary that Atletico Madrid will be more lively in their home match against Manchester City – and has suggested his own side may change their approach accordingly.
Manchester City have a 1-0 lead to protect as they prepare for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final. They will take on the Spanish champions in Madrid on Wednesday night.
Kevin De Bruyne scored the only goal in the first leg, a game in which Atletico failed to even record a single shot.
However, Manchester City manager Guardiola does not expect the second leg to follow the same pattern.
He said at his pre-match press conference: “We travel with a good result with the intention to win. We try to see the score in the last 5-10 minutes what it is.
“It will be slightly different; they are at home, they create momentums. For the passion all the fans they have, there will be moments they will be so aggressive and create problems. We adapt and try to defend.”
Guardiola added: “It will be a different game, not like last week. They’re at home with their fans behind them.
“From what I remember from knockout games they have really exciting moments in [their previous stadium] the Calderon, at the Wanda [Metropolitano] they create problems, defend and counter.
“They will be more intense in the top half of the field than they were the other night. We adapt and if we’re losing we go with everything to get it back. If we’re on top maybe we sit a bit deeper.”
Guardiola provides Man City fitness updates
A boost for Guardiola will be the potential return of Ruben Dias. The defender has been absent through injury for more than a month, but will be among the travelling party.
Guardiola confirmed: “Dias travels with us. The rest all are fit.”
But he cannot yet commit to whether the Portuguese international is ready to play again.
He explained: “Maybe tomorrow, I don’t know. He makes one training session and six weeks off.
“The fact he’s back is incredible and we have a big schedule until the end of the season. Everyone will be important.”
In contrast, youngster Cole Palmer is unlikely to join up with the group after suffering with a foot injury.
His condition is improving, but Guardiola said: “Much better. I don’t think he travels.
“Yesterday he feels better, but we’ll see. If he’s better he’ll travel.
“We try to avoid surgery. He’s better. He couldn’t play more because of injury.”
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