Pep Guardiola Says His Side ‘Hate Losing’ As He Expects A Big Response Against RB Leipzig

Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the press ahead of their Champions League game in Germany against RB Leipzig.

Manchester City made a good start to their Champions League campaign as they entered the competition for the first time as the holders. They beat Red Star Belgrade 3-1 in their opening match but Guardiola’s men have been beaten in their last two games which is an unusual feeling for the treble winners. Guardiola is hoping his side step up this evening:

“It’s never a good day when we don’t win, that’s the standard we have at the club,” said Guardiola on Tuesday. “We have a lot of winners and know how to deal with it.”

Guardiola added: “It’s always an intense moment when it happens, that’s the way it should be. We don’t lose our happiness and enthusiasm. It’s good we feel it that way and hate it that much. That’s what keeps us winning.”

Asked if the City players retained their hunger, he said: “Most definitely, more beautiful to do it once is to do it twice, same for Premier League and FA Cup and Champions League.

“We know we have done something very special but we are all very young and hungry as well. The club is growing, people are joining. It’s beautiful to see. Keep growing and make sure we don’t forget to enjoy the ride when we’re on it.”

There was some concern as their flight to Germany was delayed due to strong winds but Guardiola insists that it’s not an issue and won’t affect his teams performance:

“It’s no problem,” he said. “That it’s safe to fly and land, that’s the important thing. The authorities said it was so risky to fly before so that’s why we made the training session longer and the lunch longer.”

This is the 3rd consecutive season in which Man City will meet RB Leipzig. Last season they met in the last-16 in 2022-23 and the group stage. City, of course, then went on to win the trophy.

Guardiola’s side have won 6-3 and 7-0 in the home games, but lost 2-1 in Germany in 2021-22 and drew 1-1 away from home in February.

“It’s becoming a habit,” Guardiola added. “We know how difficult they can be as a team, they’re always young, full of energy. They’re very forward thinking.

“They love to play the game, we expect nothing else other than a very difficult one. We need to do a good job.”

Here’s what we expect ahead of a big night for City in the Champions League > RB Leipzig vs Man City Predictions: Cityzens To Run Riot In Germany (sportslens.com)

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