Midfielder Toure returns from a three-game ban to help City overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit and avoid a last 16 exit for the second season running that would intensify the pressure on boss Manuel Pelegrini
After four seasons of faltering form in Europe, Toure admits they need to put their poor domestic form behind them and make their mark.
“This game is very important to us and I hope we will deliver tomorrow,” he said. “We all know what we have to do.
“The owners have spent a lot of money to make this one of the top clubs in Europe, we have had some difficulties but we are working hard.
“It’s not the first time we have been in this situation. We’ll try to do it for the fans and the club and the people who continue to help us.”
Asked about speculation over manager Pellegrini’s future he added: “Football is like that. Last year we were brilliant, we won two trophies and everyone was saying Manchester City were one of the top teams in Europe. Now all of a sudden we have had some problems and we’re the worst team in the world. But we can deal with that.”
Pellegrini believes tonight’s game is the ideal opportunity for his squad to justify Abu Dhabi billionaire Sheikh Mansour’s £1bn-plus investment in the club.
“It is a good opportunity to prove we are one of the best teams in Europe,” he said, “and the only way to prove it is to beat big teams and that must be our task tomorrow. Last year if we played against another team other than Barcelona we might have got through.”
He dismissed suggestions his job is under threat and there is a sense of crisis at the Etihad after a wretched run of results.
“There no strange atmosphere , we’re second in Premier League, still playing strong and we are going to fight to prove it tomorrow.
“As for my future, I respect all opinions but I don’t think my seat is in danger but even if it was I wouldn’t do anything differently. I have one more year left and I’m confident I’m going to finish my contract.
“Is it a failure if don’t qualify? We will talk about that after the game, it’s going to be difficult but we’ll cross that bridge if we come to it.”
Pellegrini insists City must watch their discipline and keep 11 players on the pitch after having a man sent off in each of their previous three games against the Catalan club.
“The most important thing is to play with 11 players for the entire game,” he added. “Last season we played 40 minutes of the first leg with one player less; in the second leg for 10 minutes with one less; and in last month’s game we played the last 20 minutes with one less.
“I’m not complaining about any of the red cards, they were correct decisions, good decisions, but playing Barcelona is hard enough when it is 11 v 11 - playing them 11 v 10 is almost impossible. Tomorrow I hope to see 11 v 11 and the best team will qualify.”
City’s task is underlined by the fact that in 28 Euro home ties against English clubs, Barca have only lost twice and on both occasions it was to Liverpool, who repeated their UEFA Cup triumph back in 1976 by winning again in the Champions League in 2007.
And whereas City have been in a bit of tail-spin since the New Year, winning only three of their 11 games in all competitions, Barca are in majestic form, with 16 wins in 17 games since their New Year’s Day defeat to Real Sociedad.
0 comments:
Post a Comment