Marc Guéhi has insisted that Manchester City still believe they can overturn their deficit against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, despite a difficult week for the Premier League champions.
City endured a bruising night at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where they suffered a heavy defeat in the first leg of their round of 16 clash against the Spanish giants.
Their struggles continued in domestic action as a frustrating 1-1 draw against West Ham United FC, coupled with Arsenal’s victory over Everton, left City nine points behind the Gunners in the Premier League title race.
Manchester City will now host Real Madrid in the return leg of their Champions League tie before turning their attention to the EFL Cup final at Wembley Stadium against Arsenal.
While victories in both fixtures could transform their season, Guéhi insisted the squad are currently focused on the immediate challenge of facing Madrid.
“If you go into these games and don’t believe, there’s no point in turning up to play,” the defender said in quotes revealed by Manchester Evening News.
“It’s important we rally everyone and we’re ready to go again. We pick ourselves up — it’s the next game and the next most important thing.”
Although Guéhi will not be eligible to feature in the Carabao Cup final, he urged his teammates to approach both matches with confidence.
“It’s important we free our minds — they’re two important games and big games,” he added.
“They’re two games that we go into believing we can win. The most important thing is the next action and staying in the present.”
Despite the uphill task against Real Madrid, the defender believes City still have every chance if they maintain the right mentality.
