Pep Guardiola says he was ‘surprised’ with Real Madrid’s Vinicius plan | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that he was surprised to see Vinicius Jr. playing centrally for Real Madrid during their 3-3 draw in the UCL quarter-final.

Carlo Ancelotti made a few surprising changes to his playing XI, deploying a 4-2-3-1 approach where the likes of Federico Valverde and Rodrygo acquired the flanks.

Jude Bellingham played at his usual spot while Vinicius Jr played up front as a lone forward.

“I was surprised that Vini played centrally,” said the City manager as quoted by AS.

In a match that produced six wonderful goals, Guardiola was left wanting for more, saying that although scoring three goals at Santiago Bernabeu is difficult, his players could have put a better show than that.

“The feeling I have when I play against Madrid is that no matter how well you do, you’re going to get some runs.

“We have to try to be a little more effective in the final third. I had mentally thought about what was going to happen, but some players lost more balls than normal.

“The best thing was that with the score at 2-1, in the second half we had the game well controlled,” he said.

Speaking on Federico Valverde’s goal, the City manager had nothing but admiration, “Valverde’s goal was exceptional, a great goal. What are you going to do? Applaud and accept.”

Guardiola added that he prefers to play the second leg ties at home of obvious reasons as he would get the backing of the fans.

“I prefer to play the second leg at home than at the Bernabéu. For obvious reasons, past experiences. But as to whether we become favourites now… I don’t know.

“The favourite will be the one who imposes his way, but our people will surely give us a hand. It will be a good match,” he added.

On the Satiago Bernabeu grass

Pep Guardiola was not happy with the grass of Santiago Bernabeu. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Besides the result, Guardiola made a pointed remark about the turf at Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium following the draw.

It is to be noted that Real Madrid had been given special authorization by UEFA to shut the roof of their newly refurbished stadium in order to improve the environment of the venue.

Speaking about it, Guardiola said that although the new stadium is fantastic, Real Madrid need to work on the grass.

“I haven’t looked at it, my players have told me. But don’t let the president of Madrid and the people take it the wrong way, the stadium has been spectacular, it is an impressive work.

“Madrid, when I played, always had incredible grass, a carpet, but today it was not like that. I guess they’ll fix it,” he said.

Speaking about Madrid shutting the roof, the City manager said, “I like to see the sky. But it is true that it has been impressive.

“Now they just have to take care of the grass, they just have to improve that. Florentino only has to worry about having a good field next, as Madrid had always had,” he said.