City should rubber-stamp their place in the Champions League group stage for a sixth consecutive season this evening as they host Steaua leading 5-0 on aggregate from last week’s first leg.
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After winning the first leg with a comfortable 0-5, City can take a lighter approach on the return fixture.
Pep Guardiola has said he “cannot deny” that Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is close to a move to Manchester City but refused to discuss the player until the transfer is complete.
“I can not deny what everyone knows, Barcelona was the first – one week or 10 days ago – who announced the contact with Manchester City”, Guardiola told a press conference.
Claudio Bravo’s signing with Manchester City is now just a matter of time.
“I know we have a huge advantage, but our pre-season was focussed to prepare the team especially for this game, so why would we play thinking it’s done?”
“We’ve played tough games in the last week”.
“Look at the Champions League final with Liverpool and AC Milan – 3-0 at half-time and that was a Milan with many experienced players”.
The Nigeria forward, who was the English giants’ third-highest scorer in all competitions, behind Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne last term, was a late substitute in City’s 2-1 opening day win over Sunderland.
“As long as it’s consistent and it’s from this game to the end of the season then I haven’t got a problem with it”. Barcelona, seven to 10 days ago, were the first ones to announce contact with Manchester City. Against West Ham is it not possible for him to play. Sergio Aguero is looking dangerously good – well, to be fair, he always did – and despite still having flaws in execution, we can clearly see what Pep’s plans in City are. I’ve said many times he’s our player.
Belgian global striker Christian Benteke became Crystal Palace’s record signing Saturday as the Premier League club paid £27million ($35m) with add-ons to end his unhappy spell at rivals Liverpool.
Another player seemingly revelling in life under Guardiola is Raheem Sterling. Counting the three he scored against Steaua Bucharest in a Champions League playoff match on Tuesday, the Argentina striker has six goals in three games so far.
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‘You can not be brilliant when you disappear when you (don’t) have the ball.
