Pep Guardiola insists Man City believe they can retain their European crown
The Citizens face underdogs Copenhagen at the Parken Stadium on Tuesday
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Pep Guardiola claims that belief is coursing through Manchester City that they can defend the Champions League this season.
Although the City boss last week maintained they only have a 0.01 per cent chance of repeating the Treble, he talked up their prospects in Europe ahead of facing Copenhagen in the last 16 on Tuesday.
City have reached at least the semi-finals in each of the last three years, final getting their hands on the trophy last June, and Guardiola is convinced they can do it again.
‘When I arrived eight years ago I had the feeling maybe this competition was too much for us,’ Guardiola said.
‘I felt, “are you sure Pep, are we ready to do it?” Now the whole organisation believes we can do it.
Pep Guardiola insisted Manchester City have the belief needed to once again be crowned champions of Europe
Pep Guardiola insisted Manchester City have the belief needed to once again be crowned champions of Europe
City begin their Champions League knockout campaign against Copenhagen on Tuesday
City begin their Champions League knockout campaign against Copenhagen on Tuesday
‘This is the best legacy that we’ve given to the club and to the team – that Man City can compete.’
Guardiola added: ‘All our defeats and bad moments helped us to grow up and be in the position we are in and the whole club has an awareness that we can try to be ourselves
‘We feel it more than ever in the Premier League and in the Champions League – we want to do it again. We have good characters and personalities in the team with how they react in the bad moments.’
Manchester City achieved their 10th consecutive victory, ascending to the summit of the Premier League. The initial 70 minutes unfolded as a strategic battle against Everton’s resilient defense, examining City’s resilience and tactical prowess. Erling Haaland, a pivotal figure, broke the deadlock with an exceptional shot and later secured the win with a precise finish from a Kevin De Bruyne assist.
This hard-earned success not only highlighted City’s resilience and tactical acumen but also emphasized Haaland’s crucial role within the team. His return after a two-month injury hiatus showcased his irreplaceable impact on the pitch.
The occasion, commemorating Haaland’s 50th Premier League start, offered insight into his enduring ambition for success.
Guided by Pep Guardiola’s leadership, City demonstrated precision in their approach, maintaining composure amid challenges. This collective performance not only ensured the victory but also reinforced their standing as formidable contenders in the fiercely competitive Premier League. The display affirmed City’s position as a footballing powerhouse, capable of navigating challenges with strategic precision and unwavering determination.
‘I’m so impressed’… Pundit says Manchester City have a player who just has an elite mentality
Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty Images
Dean Ashton has praised the elite mentality that Erling Haaland possesses in abundance.
After the Norwegian international’s gilt-edged miss against Brentford in the first half, it would have been easy to come to the conclusion that he has been quite wasteful for Manchester City this season.
Haaland perhaps has missed more chances this season for the Sky Blues than during his debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium.
Dean Ashton left “impressed” by the elite Erling Haaland mentality
However, against Everton, the 23-year-old bounced back in style for Pep Guardiola’s men by bagging a brace to maintain his side’s unbeaten record at home since December 2022.
Dean Ashton, who was a striker himself has lauded the mindset that makes Erling Haaland such a prolific goalscorer.
Manchester City v Everton FC – Premier League
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“I’m so impressed with his mentality. He had a chance against Brentford, one v one, didn’t quite take it and it was a very similar opportunity for his second goal [against Everton] and he gets it right”, he said on Sky Sports.
“So, it’s that mentality of not letting missed chances affect him at all even though he’s been out and he’s trying to find his way back, that finish [for his first goal] is brilliant for me because it’s his weak side and he makes it as simple as he possibly can in the way that he finishes and keeps it down.”
Dean Ashton has hit the nail on the head about Erling Haaland, who presumably must have watched back his miss against Brentford.
Being one-on-one with Mark Flekken and in acres of space, the treble-winner was expected to find the back of the net in a situation that is his bread and butter.
But instead, Erling Haaland somehow made a meal of the opportunity and failed to score against the Bees.
However, for his second goal against Everton, Haaland found himself in a similar situation.
Only this time around, the former Borussia Dortmund striker opened his body and took his goal in Thierry Henry-esque fashion.
Having failed to capitalise on a relatively simple goals coring opportunity for a forward of his calibre, it would not be out of the ordinary for him to perhaps fluff his lines again due to perhaps feeling the nerves of the moment.
Instead, Erling Haaland was ice-cold in front of goal and that comes down to practice, confidence, quality and a top mentality.
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