Real defender Daniel Carvajal claimed the pressure of going for the Treble could prove too much for Man City – but Jack Grealish has hit back at his rival with an emphatic response
Jack Grealish says Manchester City have learned their lesson in the Champions League and won’t blow it again against Real Madrid.
City suffered an agonising semi-final exit at Real last season, conceding twice late on and in extra-time to go out when a place in the final was all but theirs. But after Pep Guardiola’s side fought back to draw 1-1 at Real in the first leg of Tuesday’s semi-final, Grealish said City know how to get the job done.
The two European heavyweights meet again at the Etihad next Wednesday, with the winners advancing to next month’s final in Istanbul on June 10. Real defender Daniel Carvajal claimed the pressure of going for the Treble – Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup – could prove too much for City.
But Grealish hit back and said City are on a mission to conquer Europe for the first time in their history and are confident they can win everything. “We know what we do and we know what we can do,” said Grealish.
“We have the players and we have the experience and quality in our team. At the moment, the team is in a great position. I feel this year we’ve really learned. We have a great knit in terms of youth, experience and pure quality.
“We have brilliant players all over the pitch. I’ve never felt so confident playing in a team like this. We want to win it [the Champions League. It’s something we haven’t got yet.
“But we’re not just playing for the Champions League this year. We’re playing for the FA Cup and the league title as well. We’re a very confident side at the moment.
Jack Grealish helped Manchester City battle to a draw in Madrid on Tuesday night ( Image: Real Madrid via Getty Images)
“We feel confident going and playing at the Etihad. Fingers crossed. I’m sure the Etihad will be bouncing. It’s going to be a great night and we’re all looking forward to it.”
Wednesday’s return leg against Carlo Ancelotti’s reigning European champions promises to be one of the biggest games in City’s history.
City midfielder Rodri has urged home fans to play their part – to help get their team to the final at the expense of the holders and 14-time winners.
Rodri said: “We have a massive game at home. We will need our people and everything to try to get to the final. With the help of the people, we can do it – and we have to believe in ourselves.”
