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Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas stated on Monday Manchester Metropolis are “a machine able to win the Champions League”, on the eve of the 2 groups’ group-stage assembly.
Metropolis have by no means reached the Champions League remaining and are but to even attain the semi-finals in 4 makes an attempt below Pep Guardiola.
“(Metropolis) are a machine able to win the Champions League,” stated Villas-Boas. “They might not be at their finest degree, their coach admitted that.
“That is why I permit myself to say that, however they’re nonetheless at a better degree than us and stay the favourites tomorrow (Tuesday).”
Metropolis, who relinquished their Premier League title final season to Liverpool, have solely gained twice in 5 league video games this season.
Marseille, the one French membership to win the European Cup, are taking part in their first Champions League marketing campaign since 2013-14, once they had been knocked out within the group stage.
They misplaced their Group C opener to Olympiakos final week however have made a strong begin in Ligue 1 and are solely three factors behind the pace-setting Paris Saint-Germain and Lille.
Dimitri Payet has solely scored as soon as this season, and Villas-Boas admitted he wants his star winger to search out type.
“Dimitri (Payet) is a key participant. Now we have spoken and we each know he can do higher,” stated the previous Chelsea and Tottenham coach.
“Nevertheless it doesn’t solely rely on him, additionally on the group, which should assist increase his degree. He must rediscover what he delivered to the group final season.”
Metropolis got here from behind to beat Porto 3-1 final week in Manchester, however Guardiola will possible make at the very least one change to that group, with Kevin De Bruyne match once more and Sergio Aguero scuffling with a muscle downside.
Villas-Boas admitted he can’t know what to anticipate from Guardiola, who has been criticised for tinkering tactically in Europe.
“Pep is ready to create surprises, and the issue with Metropolis is that they’ve a number of dynamics and so they can adapt. For us, nonetheless, this isn’t a recreation for experimenting.”
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