Guardiola added: “If you want to go through in this competition right now, you have to beat the best teams; otherwise, you don’t deserve it.”
By Kehinde Okeowo
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed suggestions that Premier League leaders Arsenal were handed an easy route to the UEFA Champions League (UCL) final, labelling such notions as “disrespectful”.
He rubbished the claims while speaking ahead of his team’s league fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday.
On Friday, following the completion of the Round of 16, UEFA conducted the quarter-final draw and unveiled the potential pathways for the semi-finals and final.
Mikel Arteta’s men are set to take on Bayer Leverkusen; should they defeat the Bundesliga side, they will face either Bodo/Glimt or Sporting CP.
ALSO READ: Hasselbaink backs Chelsea to take points off Arsenal
On the other side of the draw, City will face La Liga giants Real Madrid for the fifth consecutive year. If Guardiola’s side sees off Los Blancos, they are likely to face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.
Following the draw, fans and pundits claimed the Gunners received the easiest path among the elite teams remaining in the competition.
However, when asked if Arsenal’s side of the bracket was easier, Guardiola replied: “That would be so disrespectful.
“For example, [look at] Newcastle, Barcelona—top teams. Or Atletico Madrid and Spurs. I’m not saying Madrid is not difficult; everybody knows it is.”
The Spanish tactician added: “If you want to progress in this competition now, you have to beat the best teams; otherwise, you don’t deserve it.”
