In advance of Manchester City's much anticipated matchup with Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, Pep Guardiola has defended his track record with the team.
The Catalan has led City to incredible success so far, winning four Premier League championships, one FA Cup, four EFL Cups, and sporting an incredible 72.54% win rate after over 400 games in charge.
Despite all of this success, Guardiola's club has only reached one Champions League final on the continent, a match they would lose to Chelsea in 2021.
Guardiola was questioned about his team's poor showing in the competition before City's Champions League quarterfinal first leg matchup against former club Bayern.
He said, "We want to try. "Playing here against a top team like Bayern Munich is an honor. We are content to be present. You need to earn it. When I first came here, six or seven years ago, I was told, "You are here to win the Champions League." It appears each season.
"Every season, we tried, but there are opposition clubs that are equally talented and competitive.
"We want to try, but that doesn't guarantee success. How many majors did Jack Nicklaus play throughout his career? 120? Which ones did he win? Wow, eighteen. He came out on the losing end. The greatest athlete, Michael Jordan, won six NBA championships. How long did he play for? 16? He came out on the losing end.
"These games are very challenging. The most crucial thing is to show up, compete well, and give it our all. I lose if I do. I'm not flawless."
Pep Guardiola isn't particularly superstitious compared to the excesses of many in the football world.
Before every game, there is a customary hug with dependable advisor Manuel Estiarte, a statue of Johan Cruyff in his office, and a set sitting arrangement in the locker room. He is what Michael Scott would describe as a little superstitious.
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