Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola may be many different things: A sharp dresser, a brilliant manager and a proven winner.
Leading into Wednesday’s opening leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Bernabéu, the Guardiola may have added another weapon to his arsenal: the master of the undersell.
With the exception of last week’s Copa del Rey final where Real Madrid toppled Barcelona 1-0 in extra time, Guardiola’s track record against Madrid has been near perfect. When Madrid and Barcelona tied 1-1 in La Liga play on April 16, it was the first time in Guardiola’s two-plus years leading the Catalans that Madrid earned a point against Barca.
Barcelona are perhaps the world’s most cohesive side and few think that Real Madrid posses the meddle to top Barca in a two-legged clash.
Except Guardiola. Instead, Guardiola decided to put the pressure on Los Blancos, admitting that they, not Barcelona, should be considered the favorites.
Guardiola told Marca:
"We accept that Madrid are in the role of favorites in the Champions League. I understand that is so, because they won the Copa and they are (playing) well. We are not in the best of conditions to play in the Bernabeu but we are fine emotionally. In the Bernabeu we will have to play very seriously and win the game.
We also accept the challenge. We have great faith in ourselves and I have faith more than anything in my players."
Source: http://bleacherreport.com
