Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has underlined the mindset driving Pep Guardiola’s side this season, insisting their refusal to accept defeat remains a decisive weapon as they chase silverware on multiple fronts.
City’s latest statement arrived on Wednesday night in Madrid, where they overturned an early setback to defeat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the UEFA Champions League.
The victory, achieved against one of Europe’s most decorated clubs, reinforced the Sky Blues’ belief that no situation is beyond repair, no matter the opponent or the stage.
Gvardiol, who has grown into one of City’s most influential performers since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2023, has been central to that message.
The Croatian defender has enjoyed an outstanding campaign, contributing at both ends of the pitch. He was on the scoresheet in the recent 3-0 Premier League win over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium and delivered another commanding display in Spain as City climbed to fourth place in the Champions League League Phase.
The Madrid success was particularly significant given the context. Just two weeks earlier, Guardiola’s side had been stunned by a 2-0 home defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, a result that raised questions about their European form.
The response, according to Gvardiol, spoke volumes about the collective mentality inside the dressing room.
Speaking to reporters after the final whistle in the Spanish capital, Gvardiol was clear about what separates Pep Guardiola’s side from their rivals by revealing the Man City’s mentality.
His words carried the calm assurance of a player who has quickly absorbed Guardiola’s philosophy and the demands of competing at the highest level.
“There’s the mentality we have. It’s simple. If you are losing, it’s not game over, you know? You want to come back, you want to fight.
“One goal from a corner kick and a penalty from Erling (Haaland). I think we could have scored one more at least, but that’s football. Sometimes it goes in, sometimes not. At the end, 2-1 I think was more than enough.”
Those comments captured the essence of Man City’s mentality and performance. After falling behind, they remained composed, continued to control possession and trusted their structure.
An equaliser arrived through Nico O’Reilly in the first half, before Erling Haaland’s penalty completed the turnaround, rewarding sustained pressure rather than frantic chasing.
For Gvardiol, the victory was another reminder of why City continue to be regarded as one of the most formidable sides in Europe.
His own development has mirrored the team’s consistency. Still only 23, he has already shown leadership qualities, combining defensive solidity with the confidence to step forward and influence games in the final third.
- David Silva exposes ‘Worst’ Pep Guardiola’s behaviour despite his successful career
- Man City superstar reveals retirement plans, might leave City very soon
His adaptation to English football has been swift. Under Guardiola, Gvardiol has been used in multiple roles across the back line, a tactical flexibility that has strengthened City’s options in both domestic and European competitions.
While the headlines focused on the result, Gvardiol was keen to highlight the contribution of Nico O’Reilly, whose performance on such a demanding stage belied his age.
The young midfielder not only scored the equalising goal but also showed discipline and awareness to help City see out the game in the second half.
Gvardiol’s praise for his teammate was emphatic and revealing, offering an insight into the supportive culture Guardiola has cultivated at the club.
“I’m super proud of him, I’m really happy for him as well. He’s young, but to be honest with you, two days ago I was thinking that when I see him playing next to me, I feel like he’s 30,” Gvardiol added.
“I think he has a quality. There’s a reason he’s in the starting XI. He just needs to keep going. He has full support from me, from everyone in the team, from the manager, staff as well, from the club. He can do such big things in his career.”