City relishing Pep’s return to Barcelona

Pep Guardiola will return to Barcelona with Manchester City after his new club were paired with the Catalan giants in the Champions League.

City’s new manager, who twice won the competition at Barca, will also tackle Borussia Monchengladbach and Celtic in Group C.

City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “It’s not a nightmare draw, but in Barcelona, Borussia Monchengladbach and Celtic we know it won’t be easy.

“We reached the semi-final last season and we want to go far in the Champions League again.”

Celtic defender Kieran Tierney said: “It is difficult in any group.

“This is the best of the best, but we are not just there to make up the numbers.

“It is going to be very, very tough. Everyone knows that, but we have to stay positive, do our work on the training field and you never know what can happen.”

Surprise Premier League winners Leicester came out in Group G with Porto, Bruges and Copenhagen, giving them a great chance to progress,.

Boss Claudio Ranieri said: “Although it won’t be easy against great champions like Porto, like everyone, I’m curious to see how my players perform.”

Arsenal will face Paris St Germain, Basle and Bulgarian side Ludogorets in Group A, with Tottenham playing CSKA Moscow, Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco in Group E.