Begiristain: City have a tough task against Dynamo Kyiv

Dynamo and City faced each other in the 2010/11 Europa League Round of 16 and eliminated the Citizens by virtue of a 2-1 aggregate score.

Just past year City played Russian side CSKA Moscow behind close doors during the group stages of the Champions League.

Dynamo Kyiv manager Serhiy Rebrov has brushed off the effect the Ukrainian league’s longer winter break could have on his side’s last 16 Champions League meeting with Manchester City.

“It’s never easy”, said City’s director of football.

“It’s important to keep improving and growing in this competition and we are going to fight to get to the quarters”. “We’re ready to try and improve in this competition and grow”.

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“If they do go ahead in Kyiv, let’s hope this time it is properly enforced – there were clearly fans in the ground when they played Maccabi Tel Aviv last week”.

The controversial Italian striker was then sent off in the return at the Etihad for a karate kick on Goran Popov.

City will travel to face Dynamo Kyiv in the first leg which will be played on February 16, 17, 23 or 24 and the second leg at the Etihad Stadium will be on March 8, 9, 15, or 16.

Begiristain claims City must focus on events on the pitch and not underestimate Dynamo. Its going to be tough. They will want to show people they’re strong, that they are fighting for something.

“We know how to build form and prepare for such games“.

Begiristain added: “We are improving and getting experience in the competition”.