Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola has revealed the tactics he employed to defeat Italian side Napoli home and away in the Champions League.
Guardiola said having a second victory against the Serie A leader was a great achievement.
He hailed Manchester City’s achievement in doing the double over Napoli to seal a last-16 Champions League place, having been “massacred” early on in Italy.
City needed just a point at Stadio San Paolo to secure their progression from the group stage on Wednesday. Guardiola’s men came from behind to win 4-2 as Sergio Aguero became the club’s all-time record goalscorer.
“Beating Napoli twice in two weeks is an incredible achievement,” Guardiola told Mediaset Premium.
“They are perhaps the best side I’ve faced in my career.
“We tried to block their left flank, but they got there first and were too strong, they massacred us for 20 minutes. I am glad with the way we reacted, especially after going to 2-2, as Bernardo Silva kept the ball and moved it around.
“I am so proud because I know the side we beat. I am in love with Napoli, with the way they make short passes and they didn’t give us time to think in the opening 20 minutes. We didn’t have the courage to play.
“We are very similar teams, we like to keep the ball and press, so whoever does that best is going to trouble the other side.”
