Ex-City full-back Sylvinho has revealed that he feels whilst it may be a difficult task, the Blues can overcome their next Champions League opponents Barcelona and progress to the next round of the continental competition.
As many would be quick to admit, Sylvinho believes Barcelona are favourites to win the tie, saying Barcelona is getting better results now. From my experience in Champions League, I think that Barcelona are the favourite because they play the second leg at home and is not easy to win a tie there.”
However, the Brazilian feels City’s constant improvement can help them progress.
“But City is improving every year in the Champions League, which is normal, and I think that they can beat Barcelona. I think that City can put two great performances.”
“City has great players and a very good manager and their time is now. Maybe before they weren’t used to play Champions League but now it’s a very strong team and they can beat Barcelona.”
The 40-year-old – who is now assistant to Roberto Mancini at Inter – revealed he is looking forward to the two games, saying “I think it will be a very open tie and I’m really looking forward to it because it will be great to watch.”
Sylvinho joined City in the summer of 2009 on a free transfer and made 15 appearances before being released a year later.
