Pep Guardiola openly acknowledged the hostile reception he anticipates at the Santiago Bernabéu, stating that he is aware that he is not loved in the Real Madrid stadium despite his deep respect for the club as an institution.
The Manchester City boss will be traveling to Santiago Bernabeu for the crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Alvaro Arbeloa’s side before the return leg at home. Ahead of the clash, the former FC Barcelona manager expressed how he feels at the away stadium.
Guardiola reveals how Bernabeu makes him feel ahead of City vs Real Madrid UCL clash
Speaking to TNT Sports before the high-stakes 2026 UEFA Champions League tie, the Manchester City manager emphasized his admiration for the club while recognizing the longstanding animosity from Madrid fans, rooted in his successful Barcelona era and subsequent competitive encounters. He said:
“I know I'm not incredibly loved in this place but I like to come to the Bernabéu”.
Guardiola highlighted that many in Madrid may not believe in his genuine respect for the institution, even though he believes his contributions have positively shaped world football. He added:
“The people don't believe here in Madrid that I have respect, a lot of respect for his institution because I did many, many good things for world football.”
The comments underscore the intense rivalry between the two European powerhouses, now carrying into this knockout stage matchup where City aims to overcome recent setbacks against Los Blancos in the competition. The Sky Blues boss’s pre-match candor reflects both personal reflection and tactical awareness of the electric, often unforgiving atmosphere he will face in Madrid.
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