New York City FC forward David Villa feels that the Champions League tie between Manchester City and Barcelona will be a very close affair and Manuel Pellegrini must use his knowledge of the Catalan side to get the better of them.
Villa has intimate knowledge of Barcelona having played three seasons for the Catalan giants from 2010 until 2013. He won two La Liga titles and the Champions League in 2011 during his tenure in Catalonia.
The Asturian has joined newly formed New York City for the club’s first season in the MLS and scored the franchise’s first ever goal when he struck in 33rd minute in their 2-0 win over St Mirren in a friendly last week.
Barcelona have been drawn to play reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in their Champions League round of 16 tie, and Villa believes that the encounter between the two sides will be an evenly matched affair.
“I think it is a very close tie”, he said in an interview with the Manchester City site.
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“City and Barcelona are two of the best clubs in the world with great players so I’m sure it will be a very good tie to watch.”
Barcelona are currently enjoying a rich vein of form having won their last 11 matches on the trot, the former Spanish international added that due to their stupendous form the Catalans will approach their Champions League tie with confidence.
“I think that Barcelona was also playing well before, but they didn’t get the results and always when you win games you have more confidence.”
However, he added that Manchester City manager Pellegrini knows Luis Enrique’s side very well having faced the Catalans last season at the same stage of the Champions League.
And Villa feels that Manchester City must use their knowledge of their opponents to get an upper hand in the tie.
“I’m sure that Manuel Pellegrini and all his staff know Barcelona very well.
“When you face this kind of teams you have to make sure that you make it difficult for them and try to take advantage of his weaknesses.”
Manchester City will host Barcelona in the first leg of their tie at the Etihad Stadium on 24th February.
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