Pep Guardiola thinks he will always be a ‘loser’ in the Champions League, but his biggest regret is Hollywood actress Julia Roberts.
Guardiola’s Manchester City reach the quarter-finals of the elite European club competition for the sixth consecutive season after beating RB Leipzig 8-1 on aggregate, including Erling Haaland’s five goals in the second leg 7-0.
Tuesday’s performance was one that once again made City contenders for victory, although they have yet to win the Champions League after losing the final in 2021.
Guardiola’s last European title came as Barcelona manager, losing to both Bayern and City, but he explained how the absence of a visit from Pretty Woman star Roberts makes one reflect on that disappointment.
“I’m a loser in the Champions League, I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m going to reveal a secret. Whatever happens this year in the Champions League, even if we win this Champions League or win three in a row, I will be a loser.
“I have three idols in my life: Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Julia Roberts. These are my three idols. For obvious reasons, this deserves Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, as well as Julia Roberts.
“Julia Roberts came to Manchester many years ago. Just not in the 1990s when Alex Ferguson won titles, titles, titles, titles. It came at a time when we were better than United, those four or five years.
“And she went to visit Manchester United. She didn’t come to us. So even if I win the Champions League, it doesn’t compare to Julia Roberts coming to Manchester instead of coming to us. My idol.
“That’s why no matter what happens, even if I win the Champions League, it doesn’t make up for my disappointment.”