Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has his team primed for tonight’s Champions League match against FC Copenhagen. The European champions are seeking to book their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League tonight. They enter tonight’s second leg of the Round of 16 tie with a 3-1 lead and remain focused on securing their spot in the next round of the competition.
While Manchester City’s eagerly anticipated Premier League encounter with Liverpool looms in the background City remains focused on FC Copenhagen tonight. The club’s defence of their European crown takes precedence over the looming clash with Jurgen Klopp’s side. It is an integral part of City’s season and progression to the quarter-finals is a must at the Etihad Stadium tonight.
Pep Guardiola is well aware of the threat posed by FC Copenhagen despite his team’s 3-1 aggregate lead. Jacob Neestrup’s side progressed from a tough Champions League group which included Bayern Munich, Galatasaray and Manchester United. While it would be a monumental upset if the visitors could beat the world champions it is a possibility that Guardiola is prepared for. Speaking during his pre-game press conference the City manager was full of respect for tonight’s opponents. He told the media: “We have respect for Copenhagen and how they play. The Champions League is Champions League. The best eight teams in Europe [will move to the next round]. We have the chance to be in the quarter-finals again and this is the target. We’re not far off that. The way Copenhagen defend – they are compact – and all the movements they do really well. I am always aware of the opponents, but I especially look at our players. We struggled there last season; Bayern Munich were not able to win in Copenhagen.”
The weekend can wait as Manchester City have a job to do first
Pep Guardiola has his team fully focused on the task at hand tonight. With Sunday’s game at Anfield coming into view the City manager won’t allow his side to lose focus on the goal tonight. The treble winners must first see off the threat of FC Copenhagen before they contemplate Sunday’s massive clash.
Following tonight’s game attention will shift to Jurgen Klopp’s side. But first Manchester City must book their place in the quarter finals of the Champions League as they seek to defend to title they famously won last season.
