In an unusual move ahead of a Champions League last-16 second leg, Guardiola cancelled Manchester City's training session and preferred to prepare for the match against Real Madrid by giving his players the day off. The English team did train on Sunday at their facilities, but there was no sign of the usual pre-match training session, which usually includes 15 minutes open to the press.

Guardiola already put the measure into practice in the run-up to the match against Borussia Dortmund in November, and the result endorsed the tactic: 4-1 for the Citizens, who would sign that result against Real Madrid to force extra time. It is not usually the case, however, in Champions League teams.

Pep 💬 After 10 years, if I have to convince the players about belief then we are in trouble, they know me quite well. I am pretty sure they will try. pic.twitter.com/mVGhYnwXBi

— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 16, 2026

The usual practice of English teams is to train at their own facilities, whether they are home or away, although they usually give up working at the match venue. But not training the day before the match is striking. It is not a common practice in the Champions League or in the leagues.

What Guardiola will do is give the official pre-match press conference, accompanied by captain Bernardo Silva. Real Madrid, in the afternoon, will step on the Etihad for both the official press conferences and the pre-match training session.