LIGA CHAMPIONS 2018: Basel vs Manchester City, Coach Predictions and Comments
Another fight in the first leg of Champions League 16 tonight will feature between Basel vs Manchester City host, at 2:45 pm and will be broadcast on Bein Sport2.
Manchester City's camp, it seems, is not too keen to underestimate Basel's opponents. At least, Manchester City are now leaders of the Premier League standings, still see the positive potential of Basel.
Josep Guardiola, the Manchester City coach, for example, did so. "In the Champions League, they played with five defenders and featured in some great performances in the group stage. They are strong and well organized in the back. "
"They're good in counterattack. I've told my players it will be very difficult, especially here, but we are sure and I think we can play well here. "
Josep Guardiola recalled his first time as Barcelona coach, who came to St.Jakob-Park: "This is a big moment for me, my first year in Barcelona, my first Champions League game.
Guardiola continued: "I do not know if we are ready to win the UEFA Champions League. I really believe in these people, they know that. Our goal is to do better than last season, which means qualifying for the quarterfinals. "
"We have been trying to force our playing style in every game since we were together, about 18 months from now. The quality of the opponents in the Champions League is higher, hopefully we can control it and go through. "
Kubu Basel
Basel coach Raphaël Wicky admits Manchester City's toughness: "I do not think we will surprise Man City tomorrow Everyone knows how they play, and they will have plenty of possession." They are very fast in transition. "We must be realistic I will not have 50 or 60% ownership.We must be very solid, very compact, very focused in every second of the game .. When we have a ball, we must have the courage to use it. "
Concerning City's strategy, Raphaël Wicky said he had prepared: "We always try to prepare a plan, and we have it for tomorrow. Everything must go perfectly for us in every aspect. We must have a perfect night to create a big surprise, while for tactics, I do not think this is the right place to talk about it. "
Raphaël Wicky revealed he spent some time at Bayern when Guardiola was responsible as part of his UEFA license education, but has no direct contact with City bosses right now. "I saw two or three first-team training sessions, but did not talk to Pep Guardiola," the Basel boss said.
Line Up Basel v Manchester City
Basel: Vaclík; Lacroix, Suchý, Balanta; Lang, Frei (Zuffi), Xhaka, Petretta; Elyounoussi, Van Wolfswinkel, Oberlin
Absent: Vailati (shoulder)
Doubtful: Balanta (thigh), Zuffi (foot)
Pocketed KK: Balanta, Petretta, Xhaka
Man. City: Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Laporte, Zinchenko; Fernandinho, Bernardo Silva, David Silva, De Bruyne, Sterling; Agüero
Absent: Mendy (knee), Jesus (knee)
Pocketing KK: anilo