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'A big ask for Man City now'

'A big ask for Man City now'

Yahoo12-02-2025

It is now a "massive ask" for Manchester City to turn their Champions League paly-off tie around in Madrid, says former England winger Chris Waddle.
Pep Guardiola's side suffered a late 3-2 defeat against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League play-off to reach the last-16.
They will now head to the Bernabeu next Wednesday having to overturn the one-goal deficit.
"With Manchester City, I think it is fatigue. The players are running on empty. At this level, playing against a team like Real Madrid, it is tough," Waddle told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"The second half, they dropped the pace and Madrid were getting in more often and making more and more chances.
"You feel for Pep Guardiola now. Every game he tries to put his best team out but someone limps off or they are unavailable the next week.
"He has lost players tonight, will they be fit for the return leg? Doubt it. He will have to go to Madrid with a different game plan.
"It is a big ask for Man City now.
"Looking at the players, a little bit of confidence has gone and they were running on empty at times. It is a massive ask to turn it around out there.
"They will get chances, they are a quality side, but can they keep Real Madrid out at the other end? I don't think so."

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