Pep Guardiola says he’s “incredibly confident” that Manchester City will bounce back strong before the club’s next Champions League clash against Villarreal. The Manchester United‑born coach hinted that a returning win in his own side’s heavy‑metal squad will lift him “back into the club’s best shape”.
City’s season has seen wins, injuries and a tough schedule stall momentum, but Guardiola insists they’re on the right track. “We’ve had a good run, we’re aware of what’s missing, and we’re in a position to get the result we want,” he told reporters. “We’re playing a serious team in a good stage of our road, and that’s our confidence.”
His remarks come after three draws and a leg‑behind 5‑4 loss in Spain, a “very sharp match” that forced City to re‑evaluate. Yet the manager is positive that a full‑strength side will challenge Villarreal. He noted that the team has now fixed two injuries, a pro‑defender who returned to training and a forward who has an extra two weeks of match fitness thanks to a quicker recovery plan.
City’s win record this season has been good in the league, but the club struggles on the front of the European competition. Guardiola believes the team will “take a big step in their performance.” Moving forward, City will aim to gain a 1‑0 advantage at Stadio Olimpico, and leave some shots that prove the team will finish the game open.
The game is set for 18:30 GMT on the Friday night, and City wants 2–1 to get into the quarter‑finals. They need help from their squad’s sharp midfield and a solid defense. A “good clinical” victory will boost confidence and drive the team to the next round.
Keep watching if it looks to shape up nicely – the confidence is real, and City is realizing their big goals in this next stage of the 2025‑26 season.
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