Ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League play-off first leg against Romanian side Steaua Bucharest, we spoke to journalist Emanuel Roşu.
1. What sort of form are Steaua Bucharest in?
They have won all the domestic games they’ve played this season and also managed to qualify against Sparta Prague, so I’d say they come in good spirits and high confidence into this game.
2. What players do City need to watch out for?
The 3 men line behind the striker – Popa, Stanciu, Hamroun – is very dinamic and can cause damage. I’d say that’s where danger will come for City. The 3 are very different, but all have qualities that make them hard to stop even for strong opposition.
3. Do Steaua Bucharest have any major injury concerns?
Captain Mihai Pintilii got injured and didn’t play in the last league game. He is probably going to miss City as well, even though the medics are making efforts to make him available for Tuesday. He is an important presence in midfield, so his absence is going to matter.
4. City struggled to break down a resolute Sunderland on Saturday. Will Steaua Bucharest defend deep and absorb pressure like Sunderland did?
Probably so. Judging by City’s quality, I’d say Steaua’s only real chance is to play like that. They need to be focused, to keep a high pressing line and maybe, just maybe, they can get a dreamed result. Everybody is aware of City’s quality. Undoubtedly, the gap between the two clubs is immense. Steaua has confidence, though. They will give their all and see what happens at the end of the game. I don’t think this is a game where they have an objective. They should just enjoy being on the pitch and make the most out of their time among such great companions.
5. Are City considered to be a big team in Romania?
Yes, a very big team. And now with Guardiola coming in, the attention has grown even more. The Premier League gets huge crowds in Bucharest’s bars every week. No other league manages to do that. It only happens when the El Clasico and the big Champions League games are played.
6. And finally, a score prediction for the match please.
Sorry, but I can’t help you with a prediction. I just hope Steaua will put up a fight I’ll be proud of at the end of the game. For me, this is a huge game which the entire country should enjoy.
Thanks to Emanuel Roşu for speaking to our editor, Jack Brain.
