Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued one final verdict on the brand new league phase format in the UEFA Champions League after its conclusion this week.The Premier League champions saved

Pep Guardiola has reacted to Manchester City facing Real Madrid again in the UEFA Champions League after the two powerhouses were drawn in the play-offs.

Crisis averted then for Manchester City. Or perhaps that should read crisis postponed? The champions of England escaped the league phase and through a certain prism, there is a case to be made that Pep Guardiola's side are well into the post-nadir period of their season.