Pep Guardiola baffled many after giving a bizarre reason why winning three Champions Leagues in a row will still make him a failure.
On Tuesday night, Manchester City sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after thrashing Red Bull Leipzig 7-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
Erling Haaland scored five of the seven with Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne also on the score sheet.
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City are one of the heavy favourites for this year’s competition and the win against Leipzig was another statement that they are hunting for European glory.
However, Guardiola insisted that he will still be a failure even if he won three Champions Leagues. Bizarrely, because of Julia Roberts.
The City boss said: “I am a failure in the Champions League [*shakes head*]. Listen, I'm going to explain a secret. Even if I win three Champions Leagues in a row I'll be a failure.
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“I have three idols in my life. Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Julia Roberts.
“Julia Roberts years ago came to Manchester in a period when we were better than Man United. And she went to visit Man United.”
Guardiola continued: “She didn't come to see us. Even if I win the Champions League, it won't compare to the fact Julia Roberts didn't come to see us.
“Even if I win the Champions League it will not compare to this disappointment I had.”
On Haaland’s five-goal haul, Guardiola was full of praise for his striker.
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He said: “I said many times, he’s a joyful guy. His mood in the locker room is always happiness.
“He is a gift to all of us. He is a huge competitor, his mentality is there.”
The reigning champions of England will now turn their attention to the FA Cup as they take on Burnley, who are managed by club legend Vincent Kompany on Saturday.
Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Champions League, Football
Marcus Chan