Pep Guardiola has urged his Manchester City players to focus on the Premier League in the next few months, having made sure of progress in the Champions League. A 1-1 draw away to Borussia Monchengladbach was enough to ensure that the Citizens will finish in second place in Group C, although Barcelona’s 2-0 win at Celtic means that top spot is now beyond the reach of City.
Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan says his side still have a way to go before they become genuine contenders to win the Champions League. The Citizens go into the game away to Borussia Monchengladbach knowing that a win or a draw would put them well on the way to the knockout stages of the competition, with Gundogan urging his colleagues to utilise the confidence gained from a superb 3-1 win over Barcelona last time out.
Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte believes the battle for the Premier League title this season is ‘perhaps the most difficult one ever’. The Blues rose to the summit with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough on Sunday, with the Londoners being closely pursued by Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham, while Manchester United are currently nine points off the pace in sixth place.
Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola maintains he is happy with his side’s form, despite recent struggles in the Premier League.
Manchester City vs Barcelona
UEFA Champions League – Group C
Date: Tuesday, 1st November 2016.
Kick-off at 19:45 UK.
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is confident that 3-4-3 remains the right formation for his side despite their midweek EFL Cup exit. After arriving in the summer, the 47-year-old utilised a 4-5-1 in his opening few games but despite a bright start, his team’s defensive foibles were soon exposed.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says that Sergio Aguero is a special player and he hopes the striker will stay at the club for a long time.
The Argentine’s future had been cast in doubt after he was left out of City’s 4-0 defeat at Barcelona in the Champions League.
Manchester City vs Southampton
England Premier League.
Date: Sunday 23rd October, 2016
Kick-off: 13:30 UK.
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester United
Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola says his side need to gain something from their trip to his former club Barcelona in the Champions League.
Having drawn 3-3 at Celtic last time out in Group C, former Barca chief Guardiola is well aware that the Citizens need to pick up points from their double-header with the Catalans, before heading to Borussia Monchengladbach and hosting the Bhoys in their last group game.
The Citizens made it through to the semi-finals of the competition last season, before being edged out 1-0 on aggregate by eventual winners Real Madrid.