Neymar: Manchester City are still novices compared to Barcelona

Barcelona superstar Neymar believes Manchester City still have a long way to go before they can claim to be a European superpower.


City spent upwards of €120 million on new players in the summer in a bid to ensure they qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time following two early exits under Roberto Mancini.

If Manuel Pellegrini's side are to progress further in the competition they will have to overcome a Barcelona side whose recent pedigree in Europe's premier club competition is unrivalled.

City have won admirers this season for their attacking prowess, which has seen them score over 100 goals in all competitions, but their lack of European experience will be their downfall against Barcelona, according to Neymar.

He told Goal: "I have read the things about Manchester City beating Barcelona because of the amount of goals they are scoring in England - but I think the reality is that Manchester City are still a long way behind Barcelona.

"They do have very good players - but we have much more experience in the competition.

"We will respect them - but if we concentrate and play the way we know we can - then I think we will progress."

Neymar returned to full training last week and scored in Saturday's 6-0 drubbing of Rayo Vallecano having recovered from an ankle injury that has kept him out of action since early January, and he is hopeful of being fit enough to have a significant impact on the tie.

He added: "Of course I am desperate to be back for the games against Manchester City. This was why I chose to play for Barcelona - so I could be involved in important European nights like this.

"Every competition is important for us - but of course there is something very special about the Champions League - and it is my dream to win it this season."

Source: goal.com

Boxing Day war: Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City battle top spot

There will be no exchange of gifts in the English Barclay Premier league today as most teams will seek to keep opponents away from their boxes.

Manchester City versus Liverpool leads the pack. Perhaps one of the most crucial games of the season for both teams as they battle it out to be the best in the league going into 2014.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he is down to 17 fit players as Jon Flanagan battles a hamstring problem ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Manchester City.

Captain Steven Gerrard, who has a hamstring problem, and striker Daniel Sturridge, who is recovering from an ankle injury, are both out until January. And the Premier League leaders are struggling for numbers as they prepare to visit a City side who have won all eight of their home games in the competition this season.

Arsenal travel to East London on Boxing Day to play a West Ham side who are struggling to stay above the relegation zone, after a 3-1 defeat to Manchester United last weekend.

Chelsea will be hoping for a late Christmas present on Thursday with victory over Swansea and results going their way could see Jose Mourinho’s team return to the top of the tree for the first time since September.

Monday’s goalless draw between Chelsea and Arsenal demonstrated this might be the tightest Premier League season ever, as with Mourinho’s men currently occupying the final Champions League spot, only two points separate the top five after 17 matches.