Everton manager Ronald Koeman has said that Manchester Citycould concede three goals if they offer Barcelona four chances in the Champions League on Wednesday, such is the size of the threat Pep Guardiola’s side face in the Nou Camp.
Koeman was high in his praise for City after the 1-1 draw on Saturday, declaring them to be the best side he has faced in his managerial career. But the Dutchman – who, like Guardiola, is a former Barcelona holding midfielder - said that the collective threat of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez meant that conceding three was a possibility on Wednesday in the Champions League.
“I think [City] are strong enough as a team to get a good result in Barcelona but you play against Messi, Neymar and Suarez, they will score out of one chance,” Koeman said. “If they get four chances they will score three times I think. The quality of Barcelona is extremely high.”
Guardiola said on Saturday night that three games without a win could affect the confidence of his side and Koeman suggested that Sergio Aguero’s four missed penalties this season could be a negative psychological factor. “It is [maybe] a mental question for Aguero,” he said. “I don’t know, because it’s not the first he has missed.”
Defence is the area of Guardiola’s side which looks most vulnerable. A generally uncreative Everton, who frequently conceded possession, required only one chance to take the lead on Saturday, after a move in which both John Stones and Gael Clichy were at fault. Stones, maintaining a very high defensive line on the half way line, misjudged a ball which Yannick Bolasie flicked on for Romelu Lukaku. His pace and power made Gael Clichy look ordinary.
Tribune
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