Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City can reach knockout stages with ease

Pep Guardiola in a press conference ahead of his team’s Champions League clash against Manchester City

Defending Champions Bayern Munich boss Josep Guardiola is under the belief that Manchester City can easily swoop through to the Last 16 stage of the latest UEFA Champions League season.

He has said that the English club has come a long way winning various trophies in England and are now strong enough to make their presence felt in the European Stage.

Guardiola told the UEFA website: “City are one of the biggest teams in Europe: I’m confident they will get through this time. I know the coach and some of their players, like Silva, Navas and Negredo, while Yaya Touré was with me at Barcelona. But they also have other great players such as Hart and Kompany.”

“Manchester City have taken big steps forward in the last few years, they’ve won the Premier League and a few other trophies. I bet you this year they reach the last 16 for the first time and, if they do, they will be one of toughest opponents and maybe go a long way. I don’t know why but I have the feeling this will happen,” he said.

He also talked about facing old foe Manuel Pelligrinini saying : “I’m really impressed by Manuel as whichever team he’s coaching he gets them playing the same way. He always puts his stamp on the team – he did it at Villarreal, Málaga and Real Madrid.”

“I love playing against Manuel: his teams play football and keep the ball on the ground, I can’t wait until kick-off, ” concluded the former Barcelona boss.