Bilbao (Spain), April 11 (IANS) Former Argentine footballer Osvaldo Ardiles has said Bayern Munich’s outgoing coach Pep Guardiola is the best in the business, but pointed out that his new post at the helm of Manchester City next season will not be easy for the Spaniard.
Ardiles, who currently works as the ambassador of his former side England’s Tottenham Hotspur, said on Sunday: “In my opinion, Gualrdiola is the best coach, and I agree with his style of play,” reports Efe.
“But things will not be easy at Manchester City, because among the starting 11, I think Pep will be happy with the performance of no more than two or three players, and Aguero is one of them,” Ardiles added.
Osvaldo Ardiles currently is present in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao following an invitation by Athletic Bilbao to participate in the fourth edition of the “Thinking Football Film Festival”, which is organised by the Spanish club.
The Argentine explained, “Guardiola will be facing a huge challenge, even bigger than that he had with Barcelona. He used to train the best team in the world, but in Manchester City, it will not be the same. I cannot bet against him, but he will face difficulties.”
Real Madrid primed for comeback against Wolfsburg: Ronaldo
Madrid, April 11 (IANS) Spanish football giants Real Madrid’s superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo is convinced of his team’s ability to make a comeback against German side Wolfsburg in the Champions League.
Madrid lost the first leg match of their quarter-final tie 0-2 in Germany and they will play the second leg here at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, reports Efe.
According to Madrid’s official website, the Portuguese sent the fans a message on Monday in which he said: “Tuesday will be a perfect night, it will be magical, with your support us players will give everything on the pitch and we will get through to the next round. ¡Hala Madrid!”
“The team are confident, the coach has faith and the fans must also have faith. Tuesday has to be a magical night,” he added.
The Portuguese said that supporters are the key factor to compensate for last week’s loss, and stressed: “All aspects are important. Those of us on the pitch need to run fight and play with intensity for 90 minutes. Obviously, with the fans helping and supporting us it will be easier for us.”
“It is also important to remain calm in certain situations, we need patience and to know how to suffer for the win.”
Ronaldo also expressed that “the key objective is getting through to the next round. It is the only option that will allow us players and the fans to leave the stadium happy.”