England's post-Kane era finally looks far more rosy

The best Premier League loanees of the season so far

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

Best Betting Sites in Kenya - November 2024 Comparator | Goal.com Kenya

Saudi Arabia or MLS beckons for Pogba after Juve release

Amorim insists youth is no excuse for Mainoo and Co

Kroos opens door to Real Madrid return 

Ronaldo stunner the cherry on top for five-star Portugal 

Van Nistelrooy applies for head coach role with English club

Szoboszlai in tears as Netherlands vs Hungary is halted

Guardiola 'reaches agreement in principle' over future

Pogba becomes a free agent after Juventus contract termination

Why Ronaldo has been released from the Portugal squad

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Roof was closed at Bernabeu</li><li>Guardiola criticised quality of the pitch</li><li>His history with Real is well-known</li></ul>

Pep Guardiola savagely tells Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to 'improve' his club in key area as Man City boss gives spiky response to Santiago Bernabeu roof closure

Premier League

Manchester City

Tottenham

LaLiga

Leganes

Real Madrid

In the build-up to Real and City's Champions League quarter-final first leg clash, it was announced the roof of the Bernaebu would be closed. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/real-madrid-player-ratings-vs-manchester-city-federico-valverde-antonio-rudiger/blt390ef7e712f44a0f" target="_self">In the aftermath of a stunning 3-3 draw</a>, Guardiola told Perez that he should be more focused on improving the state of the pitch in a savage dig at the Real president.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The pitch did seem below its usual immaculate standard, but it didn't affect the game from being an instant classic. Guardiola has a long history with Real both as a player and a manager, and his relationship with media in the Spanish capital has always been tetchy, which likely played into his comments.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Speaking to the press after the game, Guardiola said: “I like to see the sky, honestly. But it is true that it is impressive. Now they just have to take care of the grass, they just have to improve that. Florentino only has to worry about having a good pitch next, as Madrid had always had, like a carpet.”

WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

Guardiola should have no complaints about the grass next week as his City side take on Real at the Etihad Stadium in the second-leg. He will be looking to progress to a fourth consecutive semi-final, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/phil-foden-injury-update-after-limping-out-of-champions-league-with-real-madrid/bltbced241b02e81af2" target="_self">and will be buoyed by the positive news on Phil Foden's injury.</a>

WHAT NEXT FOR PEP, CITY AND REAL?

Pep Guardiola savagely tells Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to 'improve' his club in key area as Man City boss gives spiky response to Santiago Bernabeu roof closure | Goal.com Kenya

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola poked fun at Florentino Perez and Real Madrid, criticising the grass at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Pep Guardiola savagely tells Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to &apos;improve&apos; his club in key area as Man City boss gives spiky response to Santiago Bernabeu roof closure