Former City striker expects Arsenal and Chelsea to progress to quarter-finals
Tuesday 16 December 2014 12:03, UK
Niall Quinn believes victory over Barcelona would be a ‘watershed’ moment for Manchester City in the Champions League last 16.
Two-time Premier League winners City have struggled to replicate their domestic form in Europe in recent years and this is only the second time they have made it out of their group.
Last year they were beaten in the last 16 by Barca, and Quinn, who scored 66 goals in 204 league appearances for City, thinks it would be a huge stepping stone for the club if they can overcome the Catalans this time around.
It’s a very difficult tie, but it’s not a forlorn hope, it’s important they are in the tie after the first leg and have something to hang on to in Spain.
“It would be a watershed moment if they can overcome Barcelona in the emergence of Man City as a European force,” Quinn told Sky Sports. “These are the type of games the owners assembled the squad to play in. The money they have spent, the manager they selected, it’s for this kind of game.
“It’s a very difficult tie, but it’s not a forlorn hope, it’s important they are in the tie after the first leg and have something to hang on to in Spain.”
City looked to be on the brink of another early elimination from the competition after taking just two points from their first four group matches.
But they secured qualification thanks to Sergio Aguero’s dramatic late double against Bayern Munich and then an excellent win over Roma on the final day.
“City are starting to believe in themselves,” said Quinn. “It was pitiful watching them capitulate in Moscow and then at home in the reverse fixture and you just wondered will they get the grasp of what is required, the change of plan and approach that is needed for the Champions League.
“But then lo and behold it came in bucket loads in the last couple of games and they will really need to carry that belief and gain inspiration from those matches and put it into play against Barcelona.”
Of the three English clubs still involved in the Champions League, City have certainly got the toughest tie.
Chelsea face Paris Saint-Germain while Arsenal have avoided the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid and instead drawn Monaco.
“It’s a welcome change for Arsene Wenger in the draw and they have to capitalise on it,” said Quinn. “It won’t be easy, but it has to give the Arsenal guys a bounce in their step today as they have more than a fighting chance as opposed to drawing Real Madrid or Bayern.
“I am sure Arsene Wenger will give utmost respect to Monaco but he will be relieved it wasn’t one of the big two or three.”
Quinn also believes Chelsea should progress against PSG, who were beaten 1-0 by Guingamp in their most recent Ligue 1 match.
“I watched PSG against Guingamp and they weren’t impressive,” said Quinn. “There wasn’t a lot to frighten me there and the way Chelsea are now they will be favourites to come through.
“Chelsea are top of the league, they are flying, there are a lot of positives for them and Jose Mourinho won’t be undone tactically by PSG. I think it’s very doable for them.”
