He City of Manchester expect a close match in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 this Tuesday against a team, Copenhagen, that is fresh and competitive, says the coach Pep Guardiola before the game at Parken Stadium.
Copenhagen, who finished second in Group A ahead of Manchester United and Galatasaray, just behind Bayern Munich, return to competitive action after a two-month winter break. City are on a 10-match winning streak in all competitions but the Catalan is not complacent as his side continue their defense of the European title.
“We saw what Copenhagen can do against Manchester United and Galatasaray in a difficult group. When I saw what they did I thought ‘wow’,” Guardiola told a news conference on Monday. “They’ll be hungry to compete and full of energy. I don’t know what their speed will be, but hopefully we’ll be at a good level to compete.” “We have to be mentally prepared. We have to be prepared to suffer, as it will be a close game. Normally, my instincts don’t deceive me.”
Guardiola’s side were fortunate after their top scorer Erling Haaland returned at the weekend, scoring twice in a 2-0 win over Everton after a two-month injury layoff. “He is very strong mentally; after one goal he wants a second and then a third. We are glad that he is back after two months,” he said.
“You see his numbers in the Champions League, even (Lionel) Messi doesn’t have those numbers at his age. It’s unbelievable,” he added of the 23-year-old striker, who scored 52 goals in 53 Champions League games with City and Borussia Dortmund. Guardiola also brought back midfielder Kevin De Bruyne after five months out with a hamstring injury.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
