Pep Guardiola revels in high-pressure win over Aston Villa and insists he ‘has not forgotten’ Man City player with ‘huge personality’
Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester City’s ability to embrace pressure after they took charge of the Champions League race.
Matheus Nunes scored a dramatic 94th-minute winner to beat Aston Villa and go into third in the Premier League with four games remaining.
Guardiola was visibly emotional after the 2-1 victory – and claimed that their performances turned during the FA Cup win at Bournemouth as City stretched their unbeaten run to seven games ahead of Sunday’s semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
‘Football is emotion,’ Guardiola said. ‘For the fans, players, we have a lot of pressure for the club to go to the Champions League.
‘The players behave unbelievable – we are so pleased. Of course it was important. You don’t need to be a scientist to realise.
‘I saw Villa’s games against Newcastle, PSG, their top form. We performed like we were in the past with the commitment. We controlled most of the game.
Pep Guardiola celebrated wildly when Man City scored their 94th minute winner against Villa
Bernardo Silva scored the opener and was singled out for special praise from his manager
The Catalan manager was delighted by his side’s ability to perform under high pressure
‘The Bournemouth game changed something and made us realise we are not miles away. Look at today how everybody moved, we were so aggressive.
‘We need it in the semi-final, I’ve been incredibly impressed with Forest and how they defend every ball like it’s the last ball of their lives. This is talent. We focus on the last four games, if we win them then we will be there.’
Guardiola also backed the supporters who chose to protest against ticket prices and general admission issues. Hundreds gathered outside the stadium an hour before kick-off, with the cheapest available adult ticket £71.
‘I’m in the side of the people,’ he added. ‘I understand. The clubs are alive when fans can express [themselves]. Who am I to say it’s right or wrong? When I go to the theatre or the cinema, I pay and want to see something I like.
‘Of course we want a full stadium every time. The club is open when there are disagreements.’
The Catalan also praised goalscorer Bernardo Silva, who has been criticised for his displays this year.
‘I don’t forget Bernardo, what he has done for us this season,’ Guardiola said.
‘He didn’t play much the last minutes but I don’t forget December to March when we didn’t win one single game and he was there every single time running kilometres playing 30 positions.
‘There was a moment when he was empty but Bernardo for important games has an incredibly huge personality.’
