‘City best of the lot’

Roma sporting director Monchi, renowned from his time at Sevilla, believes Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are the strongest team in Europe, but concedes it will be a tall order regardless of the draw for a club through to its first quarter- final in 10 years.

“It’s tough to say who is the best,” Monchi said. “They’re all difficult.

“(Barcelona) have a player (Messi) who’s not normal in their team.

“Then there’s Real Madrid, a club that’s accustomed to winning everything; Juventus are on a successful run; Manchester City are the best of the lot in my opinion; Bayern Munich faced a good side in Besiktas, with top players, and won 5- 0.”

Five- time European champions Bayern head into the pot in confident mood after an 8- 1 aggregate demolition of Besiktas, but coach Jupp Heynckes says that won’t count for much in the next round.

“It comes down to the form on the day,” said Heynckes. “It’s also crucial to have all your important players. And then you need a little bit of luck at the right point.”

Germany striker Sandro Wagner, who notched his first Champions League goal in the 3-1 win in Istanbul, believes Bayern are a match for anyone.

“We are Bayern Munich and we know we can overcome any opponent if we have a good day,” he said.

Wagner’s international teammate Emre Can is equally as relaxed ahead of discovering Liverpool’s quarterfinals fate.

“There are just strong teams and that’s why I don’t care (who Liverpool draw). I don’t mind who comes. It will be interesting,” said Can, who under Jurgen Klopp is part of the first Liverpool side to reach this stage of the tournament since 2008-09.

The first legs of the quarterfinals will be played over April 3-4, with the returns scheduled for April 10-11.

Barcelona’s Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta (left) vies with Chelsea’s Brazilian midfielder Willian during the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen second leg football match between FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on Thursday.