There is a definite sense of intrigue as to how the Blues will fare in this season’s Champions League and there’s been no shortage of predictions ahead of the group stage opener.
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle expects pre-season recruit John Stones to have a significant impact on City’s form in Europe.
The Mirror’s Jake Polden takes up the story: “Pep Guardiola splashed out £50million to take the 22-year-old to Manchester and Hoddle feels that it is his ability to read the game that makes him such a special player.
“Hoddle refers to Stones as “the main man” in City’s defence and a player who can also provide his team with attacking options.
“The 58-year-old also praised his ability to progress with the ball - crucially while looking up the pitch to spot runs - towards the halfway line.
“This movement draws markers away from their men, creating space, and allowing him to set the more attack-minded players free”
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To another former Spurs manager now and Harry Redknapp, who has been talking up City’s chances in this year’s Champions League.
Having made an unbeaten start in the Premier League and with a landmark semi-final appearance last season, ‘Arry believes Pep Guardiola’s side are amongst the contenders to lift the trophy in Cardiff.
Quoted in the Express, Redknapp said: “I think Manchester City have got a great chance; I think they will be dangerous this year. They got to the semi-finals last year, I can’t see any reason why they can’t at least do that this year.”
We were, of course, expecting to bring you press reaction this morning and - due to our U19s UEFA Youth League tie against Borussia Monchengladbach being played in positively calmer weather - we’re able to just that.
Lukas Nmecha’s brace, ably assisted by Paolo Fernandes and Jadon Sancho gave City a 4-1 win at the Academy Stadium, but it is Brahim Diaz who is singled out for praise.
The youngster impressed the Daily Mail’s Jack Gaughan, who reports: “The Under 19s, orchestrated quite wonderfully by Brahim Diaz, swept Borussia Monchengladbach aside at City Football Academy on Tuesday afternoon in a display which provided a nod towards their ongoing excellence at youth levels.”
That’s it for this morning. Coming up before tonight’s game we’ve got our goal of the day and Academy star Joe Hardy looks ahead to Saturday’s mini derby.
