Man City boss Pep says threat of PSG stars Neymar and Mbappe is giving him sleepless nights ahead of tonight's Champions League semi-final first leg
PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and PSG star Neymar. Pics/Getty Images
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has endured sleepless nights trying to dream up a way of combating Paris Saint-Germain stars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg.
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Guardiola knows Brazil forward Neymar and France striker Mbappe pose a serious threat to his hopes of leading City to their first Champions League final. The dynamic duo tore apart Barcelona in the Last 16 before inspiring a quarter-final victory over holders Bayern Munich.
Guardiola has been trying to find a plan to subdue Neymar and Mbappe, but he conceded it has been such a difficult task that his sleep has been interrupted. “I tried to sleep well last night and I slept when I was not thinking about their players like that,” Guardiola said on Tuesday.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. Pic/AFP
“We know we are going to suffer in both games and they are going to have chances. Everyone knows the quality they have. But in the semi-finals of the Champions League, what do you expect?”
Guardiola believes the best way of neutralising Neymar and Mbappe is for City to retain possession has much as possible.
When it was put to him that Barca and Bayern had both perished while trying to stay true to their attacking beliefs, Guardiola said: “We are going to concede counter-attacks because they have a lot of weapons. We will try and stop them by defending as a team and playing well as a team.
“We will have to adjust something of course, but at the same time, it wouldn’t make any sense to not be who we are. Our strong point defensively is because 11 players run a lot. Tomorrow, unfortunately, we will have to run more because PSG are so strong.”
After failing to take City past the quarter-finals in his first four seasons in charge, Guardiola has taken them to only their second Champions League semi-final.
Now the Spaniard wants his players to enjoy the experience rather than succumb to the pressure of what could be a defining moment in their careers.
Recalling advice given to him by Barcelona boss Johan Cruyff before the 1992 European Cup final win against Sampdoria, in which he played, Guardiola said: “Cruyff’s idea was like this. We’re privileged to be one of the best four teams in Europe this season. It has to be enjoyed.”
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