Puel: City still strongest in league

SOUTHAMPTON manager Claude Puel insists Manchester City remain the team to beat in the Premier League.

City made a storming start to the season but have faltered of late with a four-game winless run culminating in Wednesday’s 4-0 Champions League defeat to a Lionel Messiinspired Barcelona.

But Puel, whose team was narrowly beaten 1-0 by Inter Milan in the Europa League a day later, refutes suggestions that now is the best time to be facing Pep Guardiola’s side.

“I think Manchester played a good game against Barcelona,” he said.

“For me there was no big difference between the two teams, apart from one player – Messi.

“But I saw a very good team at the start against Barcelona.

“It’s difficult to play against Manchester City, or Barcelona, because they like to have the ball, they have quality.

“It’s the challenge for us on Sunday to find the solution, but not just to defend. It’s important to play and give problems to this team.

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

Sunday’s trip to the Etihad will be the second time Puel has come up against Guardiola – almost eight years ago as manager of Lyon he took on the Spaniard’s Barca side in the Champions League.

Lyon secured a 1-1 draw in the first leg but Barcelona won the tie 6-3 on aggregate and went on to beat Manchester United in the final.

“It was the start of his managerial career but it was a fantastic performance,” recalled Puel.

“We got a draw at home and in the return Barcelona were fantastic.

“The technical skills of the players was fantastic.

“The following seasons Barcelona were even better. He changed the philosophy of their play.

“For the moment Manchester City are not at the same level. Obviously it will take time for Guardiola but we can see since the beginning of the season a good team.

“For me they can win the championship because they have the best collective in the Premier League and can progress throughout the year.”