Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola wary of PSG’s attacking threat

Manchester City Training Session and Press Conference – CFA
(Image credit: Martin Rickett)

Pep Guardiola admits Manchester City will have their work cut out to keep Paris St Germain’s big guns quiet in their Champions League semi-final.

The Premier League leaders travel to the French capital for the first leg of their last-four tie on Wednesday.

PSG, runners-up last season, boast the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in attack and Guardiola anticipates a difficult evening.

Kylian Mbappe is one of PSG's most feared players

Kylian Mbappe is one of PSG’s most feared players (John Walton/PA)

The City boss said: “They are incredible top players. We are going to try to stop them.

“We are not good in our defensive departments. We are good with the ball. Our strong point defensively is because 11 players run a lot.

“Tomorrow, unfortunately, we will have to run more and more because PSG are so strong.”

Guardiola, who twice won the Champions League as Barcelona manager, has stressed the occasion is something his players need to savour.

It is only the second time City have reached the last four and the first since Guardiola took charge in 2016.

Guardiola has urged his players to make the most of the occasion

Guardiola has urged his players to make the most of the occasion (Rui Vieira/PA)

He said: “Enjoy the travel, the coffee in the airport, the hotel, watching the other semi-final, the walk, the training.

“We’re privileged to be one of the best four teams in Europe this season. It has to be enjoyed.”

Guardiola has a fully-fit squad for the encounter at the Parc des Princes.

He said: “Everyone is fit and ready – and happy, all the players. We are grateful to have this opportunity. For us it is something new and we are incredibly grateful to live it. It is so nice to go to Paris for all of us.”

Forward Riyad Mahrez says there is a strong determination to succeed within the squad following last season’s disappointment.

City were one of the tournament favourites last year but crashed out to Lyon in the quarter-finals.

Mahrez said: “It was the biggest disappointment of my career (but) it helped us a lot this season. This season we were so determined to go through.”