Barca to copy City against Liverpool

Barcelona: Barcelona are taking inspiration from Pep Guardiola’s tactics against Liverpool in the Premier League this season as they prepare for Wednesday’s (Thursday 7am Fiji time) Champions League clash, sources have told ESPN FC. Manchester City have earned four points against Jurgen Klopp’s side in the league this season to leave themselves in pole position to win the Premier League with two games left.

They won 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium and drew 0-0 at Anfield -- blowing the chance to take all three points when Riyad Mahrez missed a late penalty.

Sources have told ESPN FC that Ernesto Valverde and his staff are confident going into the semifinal first leg this week, but they are aware the tie against Liverpool is Barca’s toughest test in recent years. Valverde has spent hours going over 24 carefully selected Liverpool games from this campaign, but it is their two matches against Guardiola’s City side which he has been paying particular attention to. The Barca coach believes the key to nullifying Liverpool’s threat will be to overcome their pressing. At times City resorted to long balls, and even though Barca have never played that way, the source said it is being considered as the “last option.” “Liverpool apply very high pressure in the form of six or even seven players,” a club source told ESPN FC. “They want to make you uncomfortable and, if possible, they want to rob the ball back.

“Our intention is to play as we always do. We want to get the ball at the back and play through their press. But we haven’t ruled out going long if we have to.” –ESPN FC