Not that we’re complaining!
Now the group stage has reached its conclusion, media outlets have shared a whole batch of new stories on mcfc.co.uk, let’s take a look at what else is being said...
Well, Harry Redknapp believes City have a chance of winning the competition if they solve their injury problems.
As Here In The City report, the former manager told BT Sport: “They need to keep players fit; they need a bit of luck.
“They need Aguero playing, they need to keep Silva fit, and they need Kompany back in the team as well as Zabaleta.
“Where are you going to find a striker in January? There is no one about.”
Also commenting on who the Blues may face in the next round, he stated: “When you see the group runners-up, there’s no-one for City to fear.
“There’s no-one there they shouldn’t be capable of beating.
“They had a tough group and they’ve come out of it on top so it’s great for them.”
In other news, Sport Witness reveal one City ace is ahead of the likes of Leo Messi in world rankings. Can you guess who...?
It’s Sergio Aguero! The Argentine ace leads his compatriot in the goalscoring charts and is ranked 11th. He’s also above Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller.
An article explains: “The rankings are based on international matches and games in club confederation competitions, so all goals for Argentina and those in Champions League matches for Manchester City.
“Aguero is 8 goals behind in the race to end the year as the top scorer in world football, which for him has now ended given there are no Champions League games or internationals left this year.
“However, the Argentine is a goal ahead of Barcelona’s Luis Suarez and two ahead of his international teammate Messi.
Aguero has been in good form for Argentina this year scoring ten goals for his country. The former Atletico Madrid star was impressive this summer in the Copa America, scoring Argentina’s first goal against Paraguay in their opening game.
“The Manchester City forward followed this up with goals against Uruguay and Paraguay later on in the tournament.
“Aguero’s other two goals have come in the Champions League with Manchester City, and the forward could add to this in the knockout stages of the competition.”
Elsewhere, youngster Manu Garcia has opened up about Patrick Vieira’s departure, telling the Manchester Evening News he would like to work with the Frenchman again in the future.
The 17-year-old declared: “Vieira is a big influence. It’s amazing for us to have had him and I hope sometime in the future we work together again, but we will see.”
On the subject of his personal development, the Spaniard admitted he still has much to learn.
When asked what parts of his game he would like to improve, he replied: “Everything. The physical side, trying to get into better positions to receive the ball – everything.
“I need to keep learning from the first team if I’m around them and continue like that.”
Training at the City Football Academy, he added he feels he couldn’t be in a better place.
He said: “It’s been amazing. It’s crazy, the pitches are always in really good shape. We’re just enjoying every minute at this football club.”
Finally, there are a few snippets of transfer gossip...
Everton’s John Stones has now been linked, after Glenn Hoddle told BT Sport he believed he could strengthen the Blues’ backline, while Sport Witness suggest City are looking elsewhere.
It’s claimed: “Manchester City sent a scout to watch Benfica against Atlético Madrid.
“According to O Jogo in Portugal, Manuel Pellegrini’s man attended Atlético’s 2-1 away win alongside scouts from Manchester United and Arsenal.
“The Citizens are well-known admirers of Atlético’s centre-back Diego Godin, so there is a big chance the scout was keeping an eye on the Uruguayan, but Benfica’s Gonçalo Guedes has also attracted a lot of attention from Premier League clubs in recent times.
“The young winger was reportedly the reason why Arsenal made the trip, according to O Jogo, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Manchester City were keeping an eye on him as well. ”
Finally, Shoot say a number of Championship clubs are about to enter a bidding war for a City starlet.
According to Dan Church: “Brentford have reportedly emerged as the frontrunners to sign Manchester City youngster George Evans on loan.
“The Championship club, who defeated Milton Keynes Dons 2-0 at the weekend, are leading the chase among fellow second-tier rivals Burnley, MK Dons, Sheffield Wednesday and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the chase for the defensive midfielder ahead of the New Year.”
Swansea City visit the Etihad for a 3pm kick off on Saturday 12 December. There’s still time to secure your seat and tickets are priced from just £5 for U16s and £30 for Adults. Buy now.
