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Pep Guardiola Had A Brilliant Response When Asked If City Are UCL Favourites

Pep Guardiola Had A Brilliant Response When Asked If City Are UCL Favourites

His side have won 18 games in a row...

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Pep Guardiola was asked if Manchester City are the favourites for the Champions League, and his response was brilliant.

The City boss had just seen his side claim an 18th win in a row against Newcastle at St James' Park, a result that means the Blues have had the best start to a league campaign in any of the top five European leagues in history - an incredible feat.

The level at which City are playing at has led many to install them as the team to beat when it comes to the Champions League.

City have had a favourable draw in the last 16 in being paired with Swiss side Basel, but Pep still doesn't reckon his record-breaking side are the favourites for club football's most precious prize.

When quizzed in his post-match presser, he simply asked the reporter who Lionel Messi plays for. The journalist obviously told him ''Barcelona', leading Pep to say they are the team to beat.

Together at Barcelona, Messi and Guardiola worked wonders - with the gaffer building the team around the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and taking his game to new heights.

In return, Messi was pivotal in three La Liga title wins and two Champions League triumphs during Guardiola's spell in charge. In the 3-0 El Clasico win over Real last weekend, Messi scored surpassed Bayern Munich hero Gerd Muller for scoring the most goals (525) for one club in the top five European leagues

Images: PA

City have been heavily linked with Messi in the past, with all the Barcelona connections within the club seemingly making the Etihad Stadium a likely destination of the Argentine ace was to leave Barcelona.

His mega new contract, signed in November, would appear to kill any chances of that happening though. Messi extended his deal until the 2020/21 season, while his buy-out clause has been set at €700 million.

Are City favourites for the Champions League, though?

Sound off in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Lionel Messi, Champions League