Bayern boss backing City to ‘do a Dortmund’.
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Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola believes his side’s opponents tonight, Manchester City, can improve on recent disappointments in Europe and progress to the Champions League final this season, according to the Daily Mirror.
The Spaniard, who took over as manager of the Bavarian giants this season, is himself preparing for what he hopes will be a successful campaign in the Champions League, which his side won last season as part of a famous treble under previous manager Juup Heynckes.
Bayern will travel to the Etihad Stadium tonight in hope of picking up points from a difficult away game, while City will be hoping to build on their opening day win to give themselves a chance of progressing through their group, which they have failed to do in their last two attempts at this level.
City were highly disappointing in Europe’s top club competition under previous manager Roberto Mancini, and they finished bottom of their group last season, exiting Europe altogether as they missed out on a Europa League place.
However, Guardiola believes their team is strong enough to be considered one of the best in the competition, and has hinted they could replicate the surprise feat of Borussia Dortmund last season, as they reached the final at Wembley.
“I bet you this year will be the first time they qualify for the next stage. I have a strong feeling they will do that, I am 100 per cent confident,” he said.
“And in my view, if they qualify, then Manchester City will be one of the toughest, toughest teams in the next round. They are one of the biggest teams in Europe, and they have made big steps forward.
“It can be like Dortmund. Last year was the first time they qualified through the group stage, and they were strong enough to go to the final. It can be the same for City.”