Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised RB Leipzig ahead of the Champions League group stage clash. The European champions face off with a familiar foe at the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday evening. A win for either side will give that team the initiative in Group G. Both teams are favourites to progress from the group stage.
Speaking in his pre-game press conference Guardiola was asked about City’s opponents. He praised the DFB Pokal winners and how the club is run and plays. Guardiola said: “Normally when things happen there’s two or three reasons. The board know they how they want to play, the manager plays that way and players are signed for that way. At Leipzig, Salzburg and many teams in Red Bull they know for many many years it doesn’t matter after all the managers they play the style. They develop players and sell to become one of the richest clubs in the world. That is the reason why they’re a success because they have a clear strategy and all three departments are pulling in the same direction. They win the Pokal, always in the Champions League, the battle with Bayern is difficult but they’re always there. I have huge admiration for that and try to do the same at City.”
Manchester City and RB Leipzig has become a regular clash on the football calendar in past seasons. The two teams squared off in last season’s UEFA Champions League second round. City would win the tie 8-1 on aggregate on route to claiming their maiden Champions League crown.
Last season’s first leg of the Champions League second-round tie finished 1-all at the Red Bull Arena. Another tough test for City is expected on Wednesday evening.
