This time Pep Guardiola the overthinker can’t help but tinker as Man City face Real Madrid – The Warm-Up

TUESDAY’S BIG STORIES Pep forced into changes Ad/> Pep Guardiola and semi-finals. They don’t always get on.

Twice a Champions League winner at Barcelona, his Barca side also exited at the semi-final stage the other two seasons he was in charge. Premier League'You don't get penalties at Anfield' — Lampard on 'crazy' refereeing decisionsYESTERDAY AT 19:35 His three seasons at Bayern Munich? Semi-final defeats, every single one of them, and then again in 2020 it was another stumble in the last four with Manchester City.

He ended that unwanted run when reaching last year’s showpiece, but another episode of overthinking – and also Chelsea happening to write their own story and deservedly win – saw City fall short in their pursuit again. This time around, it’s a meeting with the moment-makers Real Madrid, who have bulldozed their way through with highlight-reel flashes of brilliance as opposed to continued dominance.

City, meanwhile, have come through two contrasting knockout tests – one a breeze against Sporting, the other one of Europe’s toughest classes against Atletico. That 1-0 aggregate win over Atletico should serve them well against Real, but Guardiola has already admitted he will be playing players out of position.

Guardiola tells City to put history aside in bid to beat Real Madrid Pogba leaves Man Utd players’ WhatsApp group after confirming exit plans – Paper Round Benzema 'has everything it takes' to win Ballon d'Or, says Gundogan «I'm sure players will play in positions they aren't used to but they will do their best,” he said, with a defender shortage forcing Guardiola into changes he would rather avoid. John Stones and Kyle Walker face late fitness tests, while Joao Cancelo is suspended, meaning Nathan Ake —