Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has opted for an unconventional approach ahead of Tuesday's Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Madrid, granting his squad a rest day rather than holding training. The decision comes as City face a daunting task at the Etihad, having suffered a 3-0 defeat at the Bernabeu in the first leg. With their European campaign hanging by a thread, Guardiola chose to give his players time away from the training ground following their weekend fixture with West Ham, according to the Daily Mail. The Spanish coach will address the media alongside captain Bernardo Silva at City's training complex at lunchtime today. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say City's domestic form has also faltered, with Saturday's 1-1 result against West Ham in East London widening the gap to league leaders Arsenal to nine points. The club now faces an uphill battle on two fronts, needing to overcome what appears an insurmountable European deficit whilst trying to salvage their title hopes. Guardiola has delivered a stark message to his squad regarding the Real Madrid challenge, stating that anyone who doesn't believe they can overturn the deficit should "stay at home". The manager made this declaration in the wake of the disappointing West Ham result, setting a clear expectation for Tuesday's crucial encounter. This unconventional rest-day tactic is not without precedent for Guardiola this season. Prior to City's Champions League fixture against Borussia Dortmund, the manager similarly cancelled training the day before, a move that raised eyebrows at the time. LATEST SPORTS NEWS: Lewis Hamilton fires ominous warning to F1 rivals after impressive display at Chinese Grand Prix Roy Keane branded 'an embarrassment' as Man Utd fans turn on club icon following latest Michael Carrick rant Ronnie O'Sullivan walks out of snooker match shaking his head as opponent left baffled That gamble paid dividends handsomely, with City demolishing the German side 4-1. Phil Foden proved the star of that evening, netting twice across both halves of the match. While the squad enjoys their day off, City have occasionally held morning sessions on matchdays in the past to complete final preparations and tactical drills before evening fixtures. Meanwhile, speaking after Saturday's draw with West Ham, Guardiola insisted the Premier League title race wasn't done and dusted just yet. "It’s not over," stated the City boss. "We didn’t lose. It’s not over. We will continue. "It’s so difficult but we have a game in hand and this game at home against Arsenal. "I’m not saying it will be easy to beat them but there is hope. Always, you have to be there. "I don’t know how they [Arsenal] are playing because I didn’t see the last games but I have a few things that I like. It could be better, but it is what it is. "Nine points is a lot against Arsenal but we have to try until the end. "When it is not possible, then we congratulate the champion, but we have to try." Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter