García’s decision is understood to have taken Guardiola by surprise, the manager learning of it in the past 48 hours. Garcia was in strong contention to start City’s Champions League last-16 second leg at home to Real Madrid on Friday but it now seems unlikely he will do. Guardiola became reluctant to choose Leroy Sané when the German refused a new contract.
Fernandinho could fill in again at centre-back, the midfielder having operated there for most of the season. Guardiola remains hopeful that García, whom he rates highly, could change his mind and stay, though he recognises the pull of Barcelona is strong.
“He [García] told us that he doesn’t want to extend his contract with Manchester City, so he has one more year,” Guardiola said. “We wanted it but he doesn’t want to extend. I imagine he wants to play in another place.”
Guardiola was bullish about knocking out Madrid, whom they lead 2-1, and seizing the chance to claim City’s first European Cup but he warned his team against the defensive frailties that have cost them dear in previous years. He has previously questioned City’s readiness to win the competition, so his mood signalled a significant shift.
“I have the feeling we are ready to play the game tomorrow and do a good performance and win the game,” he said. Speaking more generally about City’s ability to go all the way, he added: “I have that feeling. We are ready.”
Rodri struck an equally positive note when claiming City have better players than the La Liga winners. “I know we have a better team but we have to show it with good [play] and equalising their personality,” the Spanish midfielder said. “We have a better squad and if we do things well I think everything will be good for us.”
In City’s past three campaigns under Guardiola, they have faltered because of shaky defence. In 2017 a 5-3 lead over Monaco from the first leg was ceded as City lost 3-1 in France to be eliminated on away goals. At Anfield the following year three goals in 19 minutes gave Liverpool an unassailable lead and City were knocked out 5-1 on aggregate. Last season two goals from Son Heung-min in three minutes presaged Tottenham’s progression on away goals.
Guardiola acknowledged this had to end. “More than conceding, it’s the way we concede them,” he said. “If they are brilliant we accept them but mostly these are goals we could avoid. Mistakes in this competition punish you a lot. We’ve spoken about it in important games: if we want to take a step forward and win this competition we have to be better in this area.”
Lazio is in negotiations with David Silva regarding a free transfer at the end of the season on a two- or three-year deal.
