Porto midfielder Joao Moutinho has called for focus in all areas from his side ahead of their Europa League clash with Manchester City .
Portuguese star believes concentration is key to overcoming City
Porto midfielder Joao Moutinho has called for focus in all areas from his side ahead of their Europa League clash with Manchester City.
The defending champions host Premier League leaders City on Thursday in the first leg of their last-32 Europa League clash at the Estadio do Dragao.
Portugal international Moutinho featured in the Porto side which won the Treble under Andre Villas-Boas last season and believes his team are capable of repeating their achievements by retaining the Europa League title.
Despite being confident in the ability of his Porto team-mates, Moutinho recognises the threat posed by City's wealth of talent.
"Porto are the Europa League champions and now our challenge is to win that title once again," he said. "The success of last season proved it was possible and we can do it again this time around.
Optimistic
"Without any doubt Manchester City are the best team in England at the moment. We face a tough test but we are optimistic we can compete.
"City have a number of talented players but so do we here at Porto. David Silva is a big star but City have other sensational players."
Whilst acknowledging the attacking threat on show, Moutinho believes the encounter will be decided in defence with the 25-year-old confident the united nature of the Porto squad will help them overcome City.
"We need to remain focused on all areas if we are going to get an advantage going into the second leg," he added.
"The winner of this leg will be the team who performs best in goal. The key to success for this Porto side has been the unity within the squad. This is the way forward in the Europa League."
