Manuel Akanji believes Manchester City can still ‘beat every team in Europe’
Manuel Akanji believes Manchester City can still ‘beat every team in Europe’
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Manuel Akanji is convinced that Manchester City can rediscover their best levels to go far in the Champions League and has warned Real Madrid and Bayern Munich they can “beat every team in Europe”. City advanced to the playoff round with Wednesday’s 3-1 home win over Club Brugge and will face Real or Bayern, with the first leg set for the Etihad Stadium the week after next. The away tie is the week after.
City knew that only victory against Club Brugge would secure their qualification, rescuing an erratic group-phase campaign, and they flirted with disaster when trailing 1-0 at half-time. The second half was better, the substitute Savinho helping to make the difference, although it was reasonable to wonder how City would fare against a European heavyweight with this kind of performance. The time is short to the meeting against the league leaders in Spain or Germany.
Akanji’s faith in himself and his teammates was pronounced. He said that Pep Guardiola had told him on the pitch after the full-time whistle it would be Real or Bayern next. Akanji could see only the possibilities. “Obviously it’s not the team you want to face but we’re ready and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” the central defender said. “I think we can beat every team in Europe. It [the group phase] wasn’t the way we wanted it to be but here we are right now and I’m still confident we can beat whoever comes next.”.
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