Begiristain On Tough Kyiv Clash
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain has been in front of the club’s media department, and he’s been giving his reaction to the Champions League last 16 draw against Dynamo Kyiv.
Speaking to the Official Site in what is a rare interview – I don’t think I’ve ever covered a speech of his before? – the 51 year old was obviously thrilled to see Manchester City top the Champions League Group stage for the first time, and in such give us an on paper, easier tie and advantage compared to previous years, but he still knew we were up against a decent outfit so he was expecting a good game.
‘It`s never easy – they`ve shown have a good side by beating Porto and drawing with Chelsea. It`s going to be difficult for us but the most important thing is that we show we`re improving in this competition and we`ll fight to get to the quarters. The weather sometimes doesn`t help but we have to be ready. At least we play in England – it`s not the same but it`s close. We`re ready to try and improve in this competition and grow.’
Kyiv currently top the Ukrainian Premier League and of course have secured progression through to this stage of the Champions League on merit, and City would be wise to not underestimate them – especially given our own struggles with consistency at points this year in individual games – but it is a tie we should be confident of winning.
Coached by former Tottenham Hotspur striker Sergei Rebrov, their group stage saw matches against Chelsea, Porto and Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Begiristain added.
‘They are a strong side, they will play football and it`s 11 v 11. It`s going to be tough. They will want to show people they`re strong, that they are fighting for something. They`re in the Last 16 so we know they are good. We are getting experience which is important. We are improving.’
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