Premium
This is an archive article published on October 31, 2017

Manchester City could be three up in 30 minutes if we are not careful, says Napoli coach

Manchester City have scored 35 goals in their opening 10 league games and eight in three Champions League matches

manchester city,  champions league, manchester city vs napoli, Sergio Aguero stepped up to score the goal that moved him level with Eric Brook on 177 Manchester City goals. (Source: AP)

Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri has warned his team of the “devastating” manner in which Champions League opponents Manchester City stun their rivals with early goals.

Sarri, whose own side conceded twice in the opening quarter of an hour in their first meeting on the way to a 2-1 defeat two weeks ago, jokingly asked if Wednesday’s Group C match could start in the 21st minute.

“We have to try to push them out into deep water, otherwise they are likely to be one or two goals ahead after 30 minutes,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

Story continues below this ad

“They have a devastating force of impact on matches and they have scored so many of their goals in the first 20 minutes. Their matches which I have seen have all been over by the 70th minute.”

The Premier League side have scored 35 goals in their opening 10 league games and eight in three Champions League matches. They top Group F with nine points from three games.

Sarri singled out goalkeeper Ederson as City’s “most dangerous” player, saying the Brazilian’s pinpoint passing often set them straight on the attack.

“I’m being serious, because he didn’t miss a single ball he played out from the back in the first match. He made 50 passes to his team mates, got them all right and by-passed our pressing.

Story continues below this ad

“They deserve great credit for what they did in the first match, no-one has escaped our pressing like that.

“Nobody is unbeatable. But they’re the best team in Europe, led by the best coach in Europe,” he added.

Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement