Saturday 18 March 2017 11:12, UK
Pep Guardiola is relishing a sense of empowerment at Manchester City following chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak's reaction to their Champions League exit.
Guardiola has revealed a text message conversation he had with Mubarak following their away-goals defeat to Monaco in the last 16.
The Spaniard says he feels close to Al Mubarak in a similar way to Juan Laporta, who was Barcelona president during his time in charge at the Nou Camp.
"I have more power than ever in my life as a manager. For me it's a big challenge," he said as City prepare to face Liverpool on Nissan Super Sunday.
"This is the first time in my career as a manager where I feel: now is the moment, you have to see yourself as a manager.
"I received a text message from Al-Mubarak the day after Monaco. What do you believe (his reaction was)? He prefers to win the Champions League, he was not there (at the game) but he is always close.
"A few times in my career I felt this; with Juan Laporta, my old Barcelona president. I always felt Al-Mubarak is always there, close to the team, so close to me. But he knows, and I know better than him, how it works when that result happens.
"Always we are going to take a decision but I always feel that support in the good moments and bad moments, especially in the bad moments. I saw his reaction and I am really impressed. I appreciate that a lot."
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