Wednesday 18 March 2015 19:35, UK
Dietmar Hamann believes Manchester City’s season could be all but over if they exit the Champions League in Barcelona - a result that he feels would pile the pressure on manager Manuel Pellegrini.
City take on the Catalan giants in the Nou Camp on Wednesday night and must overturn a 2-1 deficit in order to qualify for the last eight of the Champions League for the first time in their history.
Domestically, Pellegrini’s men have seen their title defence falter of late, with Chelsea holding a commanding lead as we approach the business end of the campaign, making the second leg in Barcelona vitally important.
Hamann admitted that while City do have a chance of progression, the La Liga leaders could effectively end City’s last hope of success, even at this juncture, and see their Chilean boss come under further scrutiny.
“The heat is on for Pellegrini now,” Hamann told Sky Sports.
“They are highly unlikely to win the league now, and there is still a long way to go in the Champions league, even if they go through in Barcelona.
“For his own future it is important City go through, because City could be out of all competitions in the middle of March, which is clearly not good enough.
“It is a huge game for the club, the manager and the players.
“The way they lost (the first leg) was not good enough. Barcelona could have been out of sight in 45 minutes."
Pellegrini was heavily criticised for sticking with his trusted 4-4-2 formation in the first leg at the Etihad, naming two offensive central midfielders, which left City susceptible to the pace and attacking prowess of Barca.
And Hamann insisted that despite needing to score at least twice in the Nou Camp to have any hopes of springing a major surprise and reaching the last eight, City must be more compact and pack the midfield.
“I think Pellegrini has to play Fernando, Fernandinho and (James) Milner in the middle, with Yaya Toure off (Sergio) Aguero,” Hamann added.
“You have to stop Barcelona scoring, and if it is 0-0 after 60/65 minutes then you can take a chance.
“They played really well in Barcelona last year, which gives me slight hope. Will they have enough? I don't think so."
Barcelona v Manchester City is live on Sky Sports 5 HD from 7pm on Wednesday
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