When asked about the Guardiola Man City Champions League chances this season, manager Pep Guardiola offered a sarcastic retort: “Apparently we are not.”
The Catalan coach’s comment comes as his team prepares to face Napoli on Thursday night. Their underwhelming European run last season, which saw them exit before the round of 16 for the first time in his career, has cast City as outsiders in the eyes of some onlookers.
“Just enjoy the moment,” was the manager’s advice to his players ahead of the opener. “We are happy to be here after the path we have been [on] so we are just focusing on tomorrow and the game we have to play and starting well in this competition.”
The fixture will feature the return of former City icon Kevin De Bruyne, who joined Serie A champions Napoli on a free transfer over the summer after Guardiola opted against offering the aging playmaker a new contract.
When asked if he was looking forward to the reunion, Guardiola had a jovial response. “After the game,” he replied wryly, before adding: “Of course it’s nice to have him back. The players in that level [Serie A] adapt so quickly and they don’t need that much time to adapt.”