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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists he does not fear being ‘thrown out on the street’ ahead of his side’s Champions League play-off against Real Madrid.
City, the 2023 winners, take on 15-time winners Real Madrid for a place in the last-16 after both clubs failed to finish in the top eight of the Champions League group stage table.
The two teams faced off last season, when City were knocked out on penalties to eventual winners Madrid at the quarter-final stage.
Guardiola’s side are underdogs in the tie and they made need to win the competition this season to re-enter it next term, given City are fifth in the Premier League table.
But Guardiola, who signed a new two-year deal at the club in October, does not fear he will be sacked if results continue to be poor.
‘I don’t know if a doctor or an architect gets asked about his position,” said Guardiola.
‘I don’t have that feeling. I’m still here for what we’ve won in previous seasons, otherwise I probably wouldn’t be here.
‘I don’t think I’m going to be thrown out on the street.’
City host Madrid on Tuesday at the Etihad before travelling to the Bernabeu for the second leg.
Guardiola feels victory against Carlo Ancelotti’s side could help to restore some confidence to his team.
‘This season we struggled a lot,’ said Guardiola.
‘Of course it would be good to go through. I like to feel week by week that we are there.
‘They’re looking forward to it, Real with their history. It’s always a pleasure. We cant forget that a decade ago we were not here often.’
MORE: William Saliba reacts to Arsenal fan begging him not to join Real Madrid
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