PEP: I HOPE MESSI PLAYS
how to stop them, they’re so good. This amount of talent makes it so difficult. We have to defend well, help each other and know we are going to suffer and have pain. It’s how you handle the pain. ‘They’re exceptional, all of them are so good individually, they can combine and connect. Messi speaks for himself, I don’t have to describe him. What he’s done is more than exceptional and hopefully tomorrow he can play for the benefit of the game.’ Guardiola is understood to be considering whether to rest talisman Kevin De Bruyne, who is still working his way back to full fitness. Guardiola may also rotate in attacking areas by calling on Riyad Mahrez. City have another huge match on the horizon at Liverpool on Sunday. Pochettino and midfielder Ander Herrera were both keen to play down suggestions that PSG ought to be considered favourites to win the competition as they prepare to host last year’s beaten finalists. ‘PSG are under construction — it is not up for debate,’ the former Spurs boss said. ‘We have to apply common sense. City have been under the best coach in the world. ‘Our club is 50 years old and has always been looking to establish itself as the best in Europe. This is a process that takes time, patience and investment. In terms of that process, Man City are further ahead than PSG but we know that in a football match anything can happen.’ Herrera added: ‘There is no team in Europe where the pressure is greater than here. The pressure and the obligation to win. ‘It is unjustified because it is a dream that we have 10 or 12 teams in Europe who can win this competition.’ Guardiola’s side are built on a solid platform. City have kept five consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League, but did concede three against RB Leipzig when winning their European opener earlier in the month. Guardiola believes the collective effort sets up City for another successful campaign — and has told defender John Stones that he must grab his chance when it arrives. Stones is yet to feature since Euro 2020 and suffered an injury during the last international break. ‘We’ve always defended well,’ added Guardiola. ‘Everyone puts their heart and spirit in for each other. That’s why we can defend well. ‘Defending depends on players’ will, running and desire. Most of the time here we’ve done it well. ‘In general it’s quite good, but still we can do better. John Stones needs minutes, he arrived late from the summer, got injured and then Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias are playing really well. ‘The season is so long and I know he’ll be ready. He’ll get minutes but sometimes he’ll have to wait. Sometimes you have to wait and be on the bench, like Ayme last season.’