Pep champing at the bit after Euro ban says Zaba
FORMER Manchester City star Pablo Zabaleta believes the club’s Champions League ban has given Pep Guardiola the perfect motivation to conquer Europe.
Etihad bosses have vowed to fight UEFA’s two-year suspension over Financial Fair Play violations.
But right-back Zabaleta, 35 (below) reckons the bombshell decision will make boss Guardiola even more determined to land club football’s biggest prize ahead of Wednesday’s last-16 first leg at Real Madrid.
Zabaleta, who spent nine years with City before moving to West
Ham in 2017, said: “It’s been a tough week for City but I think it should bring everyone together.
“Maybe now they should just focus on a competition that the club have been trying to win. I know what winning the Champions League means to them.
“We played Real Madrid twice in the competition when I was a player here.
“They are a great club with great players but City can beat them for sure.
“City have to play to win in Madrid because they have quality to do that.
“They have to go and attack them because I think they can beat Real Madrid.
“Hopefully they can get a good result and complete the job in the second leg at The Etihad. It will be massive.
“What has happened will increase the motivation because everyone at the club trusts the people in charge. “The players and coaching staff should just focus on what is going on on the field.”
MAN CITY boss Pep Guardiola is ready to go back to former club Bayern Munich in a bargain £15million move for midfielder Javi Martinez.
The Spain star, 31, specialises in a midfield holding role but he can also operate in central defence.
Martinez has been at Bayern for eight years but has indicated that he is ready to leave in the summer.
His former club Athletic Bilbao had appeared to be early favourites to lure him back but City’s interest could wreck those ambitions.
And, because of Martinez’ loyal service, Bayern are prepared to accept a cut-price fee.
Manchester City at the top of the table, Beglin – who was part of the side crowned champions in 1985-86 – feels Klopp won’t give those players who featured on Tuesday a night off. And the