HIGHLIGHT
Pep Guardiola said he believes Monaco are among the best in Europe as he prepares his Manchester City side to face them in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola has said he believes Monaco are one of the best teams in Europe as he prepares his Manchester City side to face them in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Monaco have scored more goals than any other team in the top five leagues in Europe, while City will again be without injured skipper Vincent Kompany at the heart of their defence.
Guardiola has yet to decide whether to play Claudio Bravo — who kept a clean sheet in the FA Cup draw with Huddersfield Town — or Willy Caballero, who has started the last three Premier League games, in goal.
But he said whichever keeper started would need to be at their best, telling a news conference: “Like a spectator it is so nice to see them [Monaco] — I am really impressed how good they are.
“[They are] physically strong, the full-backs play like wingers, the wingers play like attacking midfielders, the two strikers are fighters — [Radamel] Falcao and [Valere] Germain are killers in the box.
“Both holding midfielders are intelligent, physically strong, and they arrive to the box.
“They are a complete team — the most successful team in Europe in terms of scoring goals. It’s a tough draw, but we’re looking forward to playing against them.
“Compliments, because they are a really good team.”
Monaco lead Ligue 1 by three points from Paris Saint-Germain, who thrashed Barcelona 4-0 in the Champions League last week.
But Guardiola said: “I don’t need a result like PSG vs. Barcelona to know how good French football is.
“It’s not necessary — my opinion about Monaco before the game with Barcelona and after remains the same.”
While Guardiola is fully aware of the danger Monaco pose, City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne said he knew little about Tuesday’s opponents.
The Belgium international recently became a father and said he has had little time to watch football but added: “Before training and during training we will be talking about them.
“There’s 36 hours to go before kickoff, but we know our coach is going to be really well prepared. He’ll have a plan for tomorrow night, no doubt.
“I know they’re a strong team, I know they’re top of the French league at the moment.
“But ultimately we have to stick to our task, and be well prepared for the game so we’re in a position to win. That’s the most important thing.”
