Awesome foursome face Real challenge
PEP NEEDS EU HAND ON HART
RICHARD DUNNE reckons Pep Guardiola has to prioritise European glory over domestic success this year. As City get set for Tuesday’s group stage opener against Borussia Monchengladbach, the former Manchester City defender, 36, says the Spaniard (left) has to put winning the competition at the top of his to-do list. But Dunne is not convinced they can win it – believing they need to strengthen their squad. “From a distance, the reason Guardiola was brought in was because of Europe,” he said. “They’ve been in Europe five years on the trot now and only got beyond the last 16 once. “So you have to think it’s the Champions League the owners want most. I’m not saying they won’t have a go at the league and the cups as well but when it comes to the crunch, Europe will be the priority.” But Dunne added: “Have they someone capable of replacing Sergio Aguero? Do they need another defender or two? I think so.” GARRY DOYLE That is according to his former boss and BT Sport football expert Harry Redknapp, who believes the Welshman is the world’s best all-round footballer – despite admitting he once had reservations over his fitness. And Redknapp, who managed Bale at Tottenham, sees Real Madrid’s wing wizard eventually overtaking Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the finest player on the world stage. “I once thought he we would be best left-back in the world. He is currently the best all-rounder – but I see him using the Champions League to show he is the best player,” said the ex-West Ham boss. “He’s gone from a quiet, home-loving lad to a superstar. He’s got everything in his locker. “At Spurs we took a young lad from Southampton. It took time because he would often walk off injured and this was a problem. Yet over the years he has matured. “He’s still that lovely chap who when you gave him a few days off would speed back to Wales and his family. “But he has got stronger physically and mentally. You gave him the ball in training and off he’d go. When we moved him upfield the fans shouted, PAUL HETHERINGTON TONY STENSON HARRY REDKNAPP reckons all the English teams in Champions League action this week will make it to the knockout stage.
But, sadly, he believes none of them will win it. Barcelona and Real Madrid will be the usual suspects again while he thinks Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid also have a real chance.
Below Redknapp, who took Tottenham on a memorable Champions League journey to the quarter-finals in 2010-11, tells us how he sees the Premier League sides doing.
I loved what they achieved last season. They’ve got an experienced manager and a team that fights for each other.
They also have an intimidating stadium where fans give them an extra lift. Some European teams don’t like playing in England because of it.
They will fear the pace of Jamie Vardy. And Riyad Mahrez is a world-class player who makes things happen.
They will also hate going up against tough defenders like Robert Huth and Wes Morgan.
Leicester have got a good draw. They stunned English football last season and there’s no reason why they can’t repeat it in Europe.
I think they’ll finish about ninth in the league but will certainly qualify for the knockout stage and continue to shock a few.
They have it all, the manager, the players, but they are also in a tough, tough group. However, Pep Guardiola has lifted them to a new level in fitness and skills.
I’ve spoken to a lot of people who say this is a different team and club to last season. There’s no doubt he is world-class, his record speaks for itself. He has made a tremendous difference.
But I can’t sit here and say I fancy their chances, however much progress they have made.
I saw them play West Ham and at one stage played them off the park. Then the Hammers made a few changes and City’s defence wobbled. That worries me. I fear for Celtic in their group.