Pep Guardiola said that Manchester City ’s Champions League success was not just about the 11 heroes on the Etihad pitch last night.
The Blues boss said that the stars of the past, and the unsung workers of the present have all made their contribution to this moment, from Colin Bell to the ground staff who cleared the ice off the surface.
Guardiola was asked to express the magnitude of the achievement in beating Paris Saint-Germain in both legs to book an Istanbul final spot against either Real Madrid or Chelsea on May 29.
And he did his usual thing of singing the praises of the rest of the squad, most of whom sat on the bench as the Blues secured a 4-1 aggregate win through two Riyad Mahrez goals, and for the owners and the chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
But he made the point that this moment is just another chapter in City’s rich history, and cited some of those who laid the foundations.
He said: “The players who played before for us, Colin Bell, (Mike) Summerbee. The guys that helped to take the club to another level - Joe Hart, Zaba, Kompany, Sergio, Silva - many players who helped us to be at this stage. We want to share it with them.
“Without them this would not be possible.
“We beat a team that knocked out Barca and Bayern. We struggled early on, second half narrow, much better and incredible huge victory for us.”
Guardiola often makes the point that victories are for the whole club, memorably organising a “team photo” that included the office and laundry staff, ground staff, and the rest.
But this time he was full of praise for the ground staff who played their part in the win by managing to clear most of the pitch of ice, in conditions that threatened to make the game a lottery.
Guardiola felt the surface was “slippery, not safe” in the first half and commended his team for defending so well on it.
But he added: “Thanks to the workers. This club is like this. Of course we invested money but if people want to believe it’s just money that’s up to you but incredible people behind the scenes and a clear strategy. Five Premier Leagues in ten years means a lot.”
