Guardiola Treating Spurs Clash Like A Final

By Joshua Walters

Manchester City are aware of the importance of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Tottenham Hotspurs and so are approaching the duel like it was a final, says Pep Guardiola.

City host Tottenham in the quarter-final second leg clash at the Etihad, trailing by a goal following a 1-0 loss in the first leg game at the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium last week.

The two Premier League clubs are competing for one of the four semi-final slots, and Guardiola understands nothing but a win will save his side from exiting the competition.

"If we don't win these games, we will be out in two competitions. They are finals for us. I had that feeling from weeks ago as well, not just for this week."

The Spanish trainer is also urging the home supporters to be loud as a hostile atmosphere can positively affect his side and do the opposite for the visitors.

"I'm really curious how the fans are going to react. [An atmosphere like] the Liverpool game will be enough for me - a little bit better. I want to see if they [the fans] want to get to the semi-finals."

"All the games are tough. We don't have rest. We play nine, 10 or 11 games more than Liverpool and I love this challenge."

The Citizens are chasing for a historic quadruple this season as they are in contention for both the Premier League and the Champions League, having won the League Cup in February, with the FA Cup final against Watford also coming up in May.

Manchester City, with a game in hand, lie second on the league log with 83 points, two points adrift leaders Liverpool, who are poised for their first title after 29 years.

City will play Tottenham Hotspurs in the domestic league at the weekend before facing Manchester United in the following week.