Guardiola expects a ‘tougher’ Napoli after City edge Shakhtar

Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola has given credit to his side after they defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0, but expects a tougher clash against Napoli.

City faced perhaps their strongest opponents so far this season at the Etihad on Tuesday as the Ukrainian side frustrated the home side’s efforts in the first half.

It was a 48th-minute goal by Kevin de Bruyne and a 90th-minute finishing by Raheem Sterling that finally handed City their second win in two Champions league games.

“A lot of credit to what we have done,” the Spaniard said after the game.

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“The way Shakhtar play, they demand a lot of us but our high pressing was brilliant. We had problems in the first half, we did not make enough passes in a row but the second half was much, much, much better. We are so happy for the win.

“They were very narrow and there was little space in between but then our full-backs were able to dictate and created a lot of chances for another four or five goals.

“We did not score goals but it was a demanding game. The next game against Napoli will be even tougher.”

City thrashed Feyenoord 4-0 in their opening game two weeks ago, and will host Napoli next at the Etihad Stadium on October 17.

 

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