PEP FAN PUEL FEARS ETIHAD BARC-LASH!

SOUTHAMPTON manager Claude Puel insists Manchester City are still the team to beat in the Premier League. City made a storming start to the season but are now on a four-game winless streak, capped by Wednesday’s 4-0 Champions League defeat to a Barcelona side led by Lionel Messi. Howeve, Puel (left) whose team were beaten 1-0 by Inter Milan in the Europa League a day later, does not think now is the best time to face Pep Guardiola’s wobbling side at The Etihad. “I think they played a good game, a good style of game against Barcelona,” he said. “For me there was no big difference between the two teams, apart from Messi. “Just two days between the games is very difficult and City have had more time to recover. It’s difficult to play against City, or against Barcelona, because they like to have the ball, they have quality. It’s difficult to defend against.

“It’s the challenge for us to find the solution but not just to defend, to play our football.

“City are for me, the top, so it’s a good challenge for us to see our progress.”

Today’s trip to Manchester will be the second time Puel has come up against Guardiola.

Eight years ago as Lyon boss he took on the Spaniard’s Barca side in the Champions League.

Lyon drew 1-1 draw in the first leg but Barca won the tie 6-3 on aggregate before beating Manchester United in the final.

“We got a draw at home and in the return Barcelona were fantastic,” said Puel.

“It was the start of Guardiola’s managerial career but it was a fantastic performance.

“For the moment his Manchester City side are not at the same level.

“Obviously it will take time for Guardiola but we can see they are a good team.

“For me they can win the championship.”