Manchester City’s rising star, Savinho, has expressed his belief that both his team and Real Madrid should not find themselves in the Champions League playoffs.
Manchester City Star Savinho on Real Madrid: “They Shouldn’t Be in the Playoffs”
In a candid interview ahead of their upcoming first-leg clash, the Brazilian winger emphasized the high standards expected of such prestigious clubs.
“I think we, as Manchester City, can’t play in the playoffs,” Savinho remarked.
“We should be getting into the next round more convincingly and not find ourselves in a playoff against Real Madrid.
And it’s worth mentioning that Real Madrid, with all the weight their shirt carries, shouldn’t be in the playoffs either, with all due respect to the other teams.”
Both reigning champions of their respective leagues, Manchester City and Real Madrid, surprisingly did not secure top-eight finishes in the Champions League’s new league phase.
This outcome has set the stage for an unexpected early knockout encounter between the two football giants.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Savinho shared his excitement about the forthcoming match.
“As I mentioned to my family, I’ll be fulfilling a dream,” he said.
“I always watched Manchester City vs. Real Madrid on TV back when I was playing for Atlético Mineiro, and now, I’m here living this moment.”
The young winger also highlighted the formidable reputation of Real Madrid, known for their dramatic comebacks in crucial matches.
He recounted conversations with teammates and international peers, noting,
“They said sometimes, because of the strength of their badge, even if they’re trailing 2-0 or 3-0, the game is not over.
They know they can do what they did in the last Champions League campaign at any time – pull off a comeback in the final five minutes of the match.”
Savinho emphasized the importance of focus and capitalizing on opportunities.
“We must remain focused and score goals when we get the opportunities, as that will be quite important, too,” he insisted.
He reflected on a lesson learned during his time at Girona: “We played really, really well, but we didn’t convert our chances, and when an opportunity presented itself to them, they killed the game off.”
As both teams prepare for this high-stakes encounter, Savinho’s insights shed light on the mindset within the Manchester City camp.
The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling chapter in European football, with two of the continent’s elite clubs vying for progression in the tournament.
