Bayern Munich manager believes that Manchester City need more time to make an impact on Europe...
Bayern Munich manager, Jupp Heynckes, recently opined that Manchester City need more time to become a hit at European level, just like they have managed in the Premier League.
Having already qualified for the Champions League knockout stages with top spot in group A secured, Bayern Munich travelled away to Etihad Stadium for their last group fixture against the Citizens. The result wouldn't have had any impact on Bayern’s position
in the group, but City’s fortunes were dependent on the fixture.
Both teams locked heads on Wednesday, December 7, with Roberto Mancini’s men winning by a comfortable 2-0 margin. Despite the victory, the Reds still failed to progress through to the next round, as Napoli defeated Villarreal to seal qualification as the
runners-up.
The Citizens were in for their debut Champions League campaign and unfortunately found themselves in the so called ‘group of death’.
Heynckes was of the view that City were highly competitive throughout their European campaign despite being in the competition for the first time in their history. He added that the Blues require more time to settle down, as Champions League is certainly
the most difficult of the leagues. He added that City should been given credit for trying hard in their first attempt.
He also congratulated his team on finishing atop group A and expressed delight on reaching the knockout stage even before the last group game.
While addressing the press conference after Wednesday’s game, Heynckes further enthused:
"We were in a very difficult group and we've won it. That means we'll play away first and my team has performed excellently in the group stage. With the team and squad I have, I am confident that we can beat anyone.”
"It takes a team years to develop at this level. City had a lot of new players in a short space of time but Roberto Mancini is slowly getting it together in terms of forming a good team. But in football today it takes time to develop. Good progress is being
made but it will take experience and time." The tactician concluded.
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