Pep Guardiola savagely tells Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to 'improve' his club in key area as Man City boss gives spiky response to Santiago Bernabeu roof closure

In the build-up to Real and City's Champions League quarter-final first leg clash, it was announced the roof of the Bernaebu would be closed. In the aftermath of a stunning 3-3 draw, Guardiola told Perez that he should be more focused on improving the state of the pitch in a savage dig at the Real president.

The pitch did seem below its usual immaculate standard, but it didn't affect the game from being an instant classic. Guardiola has a long history with Real both as a player and a manager, and his relationship with media in the Spanish capital has always been tetchy, which likely played into his comments.

Speaking to the press after the game, Guardiola said: “I like to see the sky, honestly. But it is true that it is impressive. Now they just have to take care of the grass, they just have to improve that. Florentino only has to worry about having a good pitch next, as Madrid had always had, like a carpet.”

Guardiola should have no complaints about the grass next week as his City side take on Real at the Etihad Stadium in the second-leg. He will be looking to progress to a fourth consecutive semi-final, and will be buoyed by the positive news on Phil Foden's injury.