Pep Guardiola Names Club Manchester City 'Must Avoid' in the Champions League

• Pep Guardiola has named a club he is very wary of facing in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League
• The decorated Manchester City manager admitted it was never easy to play against such a team
• Meanwhile, Pep and his charges remain one of the few sides in Europe yet to taste defeat this season

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has clarified which club he would prefer to avoid in this season's UEFA Champions League.

With three UCL titles under his belt, Guardiola deeply understands the challenges ahead, especially when determining the team that could threaten City's quest for European dominance.

After last season’s quarter-final exit at the hands of Real Madrid, who went on to lift the trophy, Guardiola's side is eager to reclaim the crown.

The new campaign, however, began on shaky ground, with a goalless draw against Inter Milan.

Read also

Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Cole Palmer 'ends' the GOAT debate

City quickly bounced back, though, with a commanding victory over Slovan Bratislava, reaffirming their intent to compete for the title.

The competition will only intensify as City prepares for their remaining group-stage fixtures against Sparta Prague, Sporting CP, Feyenoord, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and Club Bruges.

Guardiola names the club City must avoid

Yet, when asked which team he would rather avoid in Europe's top competition, Guardiola named a former club.

"Good question. Barcelona, maybe," he said, as reported by Metro.

"The affection I have for them destroys me. I was born in a small town nearby; it’s never easy to play against them."

Barcelona, now under the guidance of Hansi Flick, have started the 2024/25 season with significant momentum, winning all but two of their matches.

Despite an early setback in their Champions League opener against Monaco, they made a strong comeback and thrashed Young Boys 5-0, proving they remain a force to be reckoned with.

Read also

Wayne Rooney discusses Erik ten Hag's future at Man United

What's Guardiola's record vs Barcelona?

While Guardiola may be hesitant to face his former team, his record against Barça isn't unfavourable.

According to Transfermarkt, the City boss has faced the Catalan giants four times, with two victories and two losses, showcasing his tactical acumen when facing his old club.

Guardiola not 'interested' in winning EPL

Earlier, Briefly News reported that Pep Guardiola is casual about winning this campaign's Premier League title.

Since joining the club in 2016, he has coached them to seven English top-flight titles, four of these consecutively. However, Guardiola has hinted that winning another Premier League trophy with the Citizens is not his priority.

Source: YEN.com.gh