Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes his side will go up against the “best team in Europe” if they are drawn against Napoli in the Champions League quarter-finals.
The Citizens secured their passage to the next round after trouncing RB Leipzig 7-0 in the second leg of their last 16 tie at the Etihad on Tuesday night. When asked about potential future opponents in the competition, Guardiola namechecked Napoli and compared them to Arsenal:
“Napoli are perhaps the best team in Europe this season. In terms of playing style, they are close to Arsenal. Then Milan are back, Inter too. They have both qualified.”
Napoli are certainly the team to avoid in the quarter-finals, along with Bayern Munich. Luciano Spalletti’s side are runaway leaders in Serie A this season, having an 18-point lead at the top of the table.
They also finished top of their Champions League group on goal difference, having thrashed Liverpool 4-1 at home back in September, and they have some formidable attacking weapons such as Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
In terms of City’s other potential opponents in the quarter-finals; Chelsea, Benfica, AC Milan and Inter Milan are already in the draw with Bayern, while Real Madrid are likely to join them.