Ilkay Gundogan says Pep Guardiola effect could be vital for Manchester City at Barcelona
Citizens star believes his manager's Nou Camp knowledge could be key in Champions League clash
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ILKAY GUNDOGAN says the Pep effect will be crucial for Manchester City in Barcelona tomorrow night.
The Premier League leaders head for Spain today knowing they will be second favourites for the Nou Camp showdown.
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But few people know the Catalan giants better than Guardiola — who followed his excellent playing career with four glittering years in charge.
German midfield star Gundogan reckons that knowledge will give City a chance of pulling off a famous victory.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund ace said: “It’s a big plus for us to have Pep because he knows them. He knows the team, the club, the stadium and he knows Lionel Messi.
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“He also knows the Barcelona way, the Catalan way so he knows everything and he will give us some information that other managers cannot give.
“This is important, definitely. He knows how they play and how they will want to play.
“At the end, though, it’s down to our players to do that on the field and carry out what he wants us to do.”
Gundogan, 25, accepts this is the toughest challenge new-look City have faced this season but says they will travel with no fear.
He added: “The away game will be especially tough, a challenge. But I can say we are definitely not scared.
“We want to have this experience and want to play in this stadium against their team. It will not be a test but exciting for us.”
City wasted a host of chances — including two penalties — as they managed only a 1-1 draw against Everton on Saturday.
Gundogan knows they will have to be much more ruthless but does not believe three games without a win is anything to worry about.
He said: “It’s about taking your chances in the Champions League.
“The evening games, especially when you play away, you need to have this confidence, this flow and the courage to play your own game.
“You cannot afford to make mistakes either because teams like them will punish you. But it’s an experience for us all.
“After this game we will maybe know more where we are at this moment than we have against the other opponents we have played so far. It’s a big challenge but we are ready.”
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta admits the Guardiola factor has made City a much tougher prospect.
They have beaten City twice in the last three seasons in the Champions League knockout stages.
But Iniesta, 32, recognises City have taken giant strides under his former boss and are a serious rival.
He said: “In recent years Manchester City always had great players.
“I don’t know if they were serious candidates to win the Champions League but they are an important opponent with the players they have.
“Few teams can win a Champions League. This year they have strengthened very well and changed coaches. They are one of our main rivals and very tough.”
Iniesta won 14 out of 19 trophies in Guardiola’s four seasons at the Nou Camp and became one of the world’s most feted footballers.
He added: “Guardiola’s teams reflect what he wants. City have identified with his philosophy, to have the ball.
“Given the quality of their squad, it’s going to be complicated. Football is about improving everything you can.
“With Guardiola, not just me and the team, but the club in general went through a very good period that we value tremendously.”
Iniesta also heaped praise on Spain team-mate David Silva.
He said: “I always had a soft spot for David — as a team-mate and as a person.
“We’ve experienced great moments. He has enormous talent and was always a point of reference for me.
“We have a great squad to chase every trophy. What we want is to make the club even bigger.”