Manchester City is set to face Napoli at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night in their opening Champions League group stage match. On the eve of the fixture, manager Pep Guardiola expressed significant respect for the Italian side, highlighting the influence of two key figures.
He specifically praised Kevin De Bruyne, a player he knows well from their time together at City. “After the match, I will definitely meet him,” Guardiola stated. “His impact is no surprise to me; players of that caliber adapt quickly. I knew he wouldn’t need time to perform at a high level.”
Guardiola also commended Napoli’s manager, Antonio Conte, calling him a “top-class manager” who has excelled everywhere he has been. “Conte made me suffer with Chelsea and Tottenham? Yes, but we will see tomorrow… I have great respect for Mister Conte,” he added.
When asked about Manchester City’s status as a tournament favorite, Guardiola was cautious. “I don’t know if we are one of the favorites in the Champions League. Apparently, we are not. What matters now is to start in the best way, enjoy the moment, and if possible, start better than last year when we drew with Inter in the first game.”
The Spanish coach also discussed his team’s new goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, expressing no surprise at his seamless integration. “In the last decade, we have always had incredible goalkeepers. Donnarumma has been at a high level for many years and at 26, he is certainly a top goalkeeper.”
He extended similar praise to Scott McTominay’s impact at Napoli, noting his excellent condition and experience winning a league title. Guardiola also dismissed concerns over a congested fixture schedule, stating, “Our priority is always the next match… We take every single game seriously.”
Looking ahead to the Napoli match, Guardiola predicted a “very tough game, without a doubt,” but affirmed his happiness with his own “very strong” squad.
For his part, Donnarumma, City’s most important signing this season, is in the spotlight as a native of Castellammare di Stabia near Naples. “I have many friends there,” the goalkeeper explained, “and I am excited to face the team. My family and my mother are a little torn, but I hope she will cheer for me.”
He revealed his desire was always to join City, saying, “I am happy to be part of this fantastic team, this fantastic family, and to give so much to these colors. I hope to do so for many years to come.” Donnarumma acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that the first Champions League game is always the most complex and that Napoli is a “great team,” a point he intends to reinforce in the locker room.