Guardiola delighted with City win after surviving Napoli ‘massacre’

Manchester City's Pep Guardiola again made his adoration for Napoli clear, revelling in a second victory against the Serie A leader.

Published : Nov 02, 2017 11:20 IST

 Pep Guardiola was cock-a-hoop after his side’s victory on Wednesday night.
Pep Guardiola was cock-a-hoop after his side’s victory on Wednesday night.
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Pep Guardiola was cock-a-hoop after his side’s victory on Wednesday night.

Pep Guardiola 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 its progression from the group stage on Wednesday, but Guardiola's men came from behind to win 4-2 as Sergio Aguero became the club's all-time record goalscorer .

While Napoli – which also lost the reverse fixture 3-2 in Manchester – is now in danger of crashing out of the competition, manager Guardiola again spoke of his admiration for the Serie A leader and lauded another big win.

"Beating Napoli twice in two weeks is an incredible achievement," Guardiola told Mediaset Premium .

‘Best side I’ve faced in my career’

"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."

Guardiola believes the two teams are very similar, meaning City had to show its class to come out on top. The Spaniard added: "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."

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