Pep Guardiola says Manchester City deserve to be in the Champions League final as he praised his players for an incredible European campaign.
City reached the final after a commanding 4-1 aggregate victory over Paris Saint-Germain, with our 2-0 win in the second leg setting a new record for the longest winning run by an English side in the competition.
Guardiola’s side have now won seven consecutive matches in Europe and he believes qualifying for the final for the first time in the Club’s history will help his team understand everything they have achieved together.
“I think reaching the final of the Champions League helps us see the bigger picture of the last four years,” he said at his post-match press conference.
“What we have done in the last four years is incredible. In terms of the Premier League, the Carabao Cup and every competition.
“Reaching the final helps us to understand what we have done. It is unfair, but we have to accept it.
“To reach the final of this competition is so difficult. It is the toughest one, the quality of the opponent and the composure you have to have to suffer the toughest moments.
“We did it. We made an incredible Champions League season and now deserve to be there in the final.”
Guardiola also had a note of praise for Fernandinho, who proved to be one of City’s most impressive performers in what was a feisty affair at the Etihad Stadium.
The club captain, who was celebrating his 36th birthday, was an unused substitute in the first leg, but replaced Rodrigo for the return fixture and was excellent in midfield.
Guardiola was delighted with his display and, in particular, the support he provided to the equally impressive John Stones and Ruben Dias.
“Especially the second half, he was incredible,” added the City boss.
“We adjusted a little bit to give support to John and Ruben. We were brilliant.
“He was so good. He was really, really good. It was his birthday. It’s a big present.
“He has been an extraordinary captain this season, leading us in the bad moments. He played really, really well.”
