Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, says his “legacy is exceptional” as the club prepares for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
City, who have never been European champions, drew 1-1 at the Bernabeu in the first leg last Tuesday.
Guardiola has two Champions League titles to his name as a manager, with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011.
“I’ve been here many times,” he explained.
“My legacy is already great. I advised the guys to enjoy the moment because we are extremely fortunate to be here.
“It’s in our hands, it’s up to us, we don’t have to do anything extraordinary – just win one game to get to the final.”
“I have a strong sense about them. Whatever happens, thank you very much for bringing me and the City fans back here.”
Walker says that Guardiola’s criticism has ‘damaged’ him.
The winners will meet Inter Milan in Istanbul on Saturday, June 10th, after the Italians defeated AC Milan 3-0 on aggregate to reach the final for the first time in 13 years.
Opta gives Manchester City, who have gone unbeaten in 22 games, a 69% chance of reaching the final and a 45% chance of winning the tournament, making them the favorites.
Real Madrid are said to have a 15% chance of winning European champions for the 15th time.
City is one win away from winning the Premier League for the fifth time in six years, and they meet Manchester United in the FA Cup final. They want to match United’s 1999 league, cup, and Champions League treble.
Guardiola, who won the Triple Crown with Barcelona in 2008-09, led City to the Champions League final two years ago, where they were defeated by Chelsea.
Last year, they fell 6-5 on aggregate to Real Madrid in the semi-finals after leading by two goals in the 90th minute.
“They didn’t tell me to win the Champions League when I signed the contract seven years ago,” he stated. “Everyone said they brought me here with my staff to do the best job possible,” Guardiola remarked.
“Of course, we cannot deny that we have won every title except this one.” We obviously want it. It is a rematch of the finals we lost two seasons ago against Chelsea and the previous season against Real Madrid. Of course, we want it with all our hearts.
“People say we’re close enough, but I think we’re a long way away.”
“To be here is a dream come true. Nobody can promise that we will be here in the future. Nobody can guarantee us anything. So, once we arrive, let’s go. I am confident that our people will succeed.”
Real is playing an English team for the sixth time in a row, having defeated Liverpool in last year’s final after defeating Chelsea and City earlier in the season, and having beaten Liverpool and Chelsea this season.
The only absentee for either team is City defender Nathan Ake.
Madrid defender Eder Militao is eligible after serving a one-game suspension for the first leg, as is Eduardo Camavinga, who suffered a knee injury during the weekend.
