City can be a force in Europe, warns Alonso

Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso has warned that Manchester City could quickly turn around their Champions League fortunes.

The Germans have already qualified for the last 16 of the competition and on the face of it have little to play for as they take on City at the Etihad Stadium tonight.

But a slip by Bayern could offer City a European lifeline and that is something that could come back to haunt them later in the tournament.

Bayern are, therefore, looking to finish off City, who have collected just two points from four games.

Alonso said: “Obviously, City are in a difficult position, but they have won the Premier League a couple of times. I am pretty sure this season they want to show their level and they want to go through. They have important players suspended but as a whole it is one of the best squads in Europe.

“It is hard to tell from the outside but you expect any season that City will make that impact in Europe.

“It looks like a very serious project and competing with the other clubs in Europe is for sure one of their goals.

“Even though it looks a difficult situation for them, it could change in 90 minutes. We will have to do our job.”

Bayern coach Pep Guardiola recognises the heat is off his side having won all four of their games.

However, the unbeaten Bundesliga leaders have been in formidable form all season and Guardiola does not want to ease off.

He said: “It’s important we play our game and develop. We want to produce a performance. At the end of the day, we are Bayern Munich.

“To play football, we need tension, we need something to fight for. You have to be a little bit afraid to play football, so in that point of view Man City have an advantage.

“The game for them is more important than our game, but we always find the right way, something to be motivated, to be a competitive team.

“We have to defend our team, our club. We can’t just be here for fun. We have come here to play. It’s very important for the club.”