Mortal Kom-bat City up for Euro fight
thesun
VINCENT KOMPANY admits Manchester Citys Champions League Group of Death is even more lethal than last year.
Yet the Belgian centre-back also rates the draw ideal for Roberto Mancinis men.
City start against Real Madrid, then face German champions Borussia Dortmund and Hollands top team Ajax.
Last year they had Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal and just failed to qualify, despite a 10-point haul.
Kompany said: Games like this are why you are in the Champions League. I thought it couldnt get more difficult than last year but there you go.
Its a great challenge. I think we are the sort of team which gets better as the challenges get even greater.
Its perfect for us. There wont be any moments where we will be surprised. The motivation will be sky-high, the atmosphere great. I couldnt think of a better way to play the Champions League.
Its all about how far you can get but its even nicer when you play against the best teams.
City have yet to reach the heights of last season in a relatively low-key start to their league title defence.
But Kompany believes picking up points while not playing well is a sure sign they are becoming a top side.
He added: Im happy with things so far. We won the Community Shield and have made a good start, with seven points out of nine.
If I had one message for the team, it would be Well done guys. Weve always battled hard and shown how strong we are as a team. Weve proved we have plenty of character.
If we can win games when supposedly not at our best, what will happen if we do hit top form
City edged a memorable title race on goal difference last season and Kompany expects it to be just as tight this time.
He said: I think this season will be a lot more competitive than last year. I dont think any sides around us are weaker. They have all strengthened, so getting victories at this stage of the season is the most important thing.
Yet the Belgian centre-back also rates the draw ideal for Roberto Mancinis men.
City start against Real Madrid, then face German champions Borussia Dortmund and Hollands top team Ajax.
Last year they had Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal and just failed to qualify, despite a 10-point haul.
Kompany said: Games like this are why you are in the Champions League. I thought it couldnt get more difficult than last year but there you go.
Its a great challenge. I think we are the sort of team which gets better as the challenges get even greater.
Its perfect for us. There wont be any moments where we will be surprised. The motivation will be sky-high, the atmosphere great. I couldnt think of a better way to play the Champions League.
Its all about how far you can get but its even nicer when you play against the best teams.
City have yet to reach the heights of last season in a relatively low-key start to their league title defence.
But Kompany believes picking up points while not playing well is a sure sign they are becoming a top side.
He added: Im happy with things so far. We won the Community Shield and have made a good start, with seven points out of nine.
If I had one message for the team, it would be Well done guys. Weve always battled hard and shown how strong we are as a team. Weve proved we have plenty of character.
If we can win games when supposedly not at our best, what will happen if we do hit top form
City edged a memorable title race on goal difference last season and Kompany expects it to be just as tight this time.
He said: I think this season will be a lot more competitive than last year. I dont think any sides around us are weaker. They have all strengthened, so getting victories at this stage of the season is the most important thing.
