In this video
- Asked about the questions Alonso faces, Guardiola said of course he has sympathy: they were together a year and a half, two years, and share many things, families as well.
- Guardiola said Barcelona and Madrid are the toughest clubs to manage: with the season he had last season, he would have been sacked six months before the end. Alonso has been there and knows the reality.
- Asked what makes managing in England different, Guardiola said you have to win everywhere, but in England what happens in the dressing room stays there. In Spain, in his experience, everybody knows everything.
“If the hierarchy want to give the power to the manager, the manager will have the power.”
- The reporter noted John Stones was not on the travelling list. Asked what the injury is and how serious it is, Guardiola said he does not know yet.
- In the translated part, asked about Alonso's future, Guardiola said he only wishes him the best and really loves and appreciates him. The reporters know the reality better than he does; he is very far away.
- Asked in the translated part for a message to Alonso, who the reporter thought might feel a little lonely, Guardiola answered with a saying that comes out oddly in English, ending with Alonso doing a good job.
- In the translated part, Guardiola called Alonso's teams impressive and said every club and squad is different. Four days ago, not four months ago, Madrid were top of the Spanish league.
Pep Guardiola spoke to the media ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid, and he didn’t hold back.
In a passionate press conference, Guardiola addressed the immense pressure Xabi Alonso is under at Real Madrid.
Pep shared his experience with managing in Spain vs. England, and delivered a jaw-dropping line: “He should pee on his own. And he won’t pee perfume, so he’ll do a good job.” Pep’s message was emotional, bizarre, and perhaps loaded with meaning.
He reflected on Xabi Alonso’s journey, spoke about player power, locker room leaks, and what it takes to survive as a coach at elite clubs.
Guardiola also talked about Manchester City’s evolution and how competing at the Santiago Bernabéu always offers a true test of character. With Real Madrid’s form wavering and rumors spreading around Alonso’s future, Pep’s words might spark even more drama before this champions league match.
