Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has cautioned pundits against comparing the club to Real Madrid and Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League yet.
He said that though City are in spectacular form in all competitions this season, the experience of the two Spanish giants still counts for much when deciding Champions League favourites.
Guardiola’s team are hoping to advance to the UCL quarter final stage for the second time in their history when they host Basel on Wednesday while holding a 4-0 advantage from the first leg.
However, he said that the description of City as UCL favourites this season was an honour to the club.
He said, “ When I am talking about we are favourites to win the Champions League , it ’ s an honour.
“ If you don’ t play good at Manchester City … the people are not going to say that because we don’ t have (a ) legacy. ”
He noted that while form was temporary, the experience of the likes of Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich could be a huge deciding factor.
He cited the example of Real Madrid who had been expected to lose against PSG in the first leg of their second round clash based on current form.
However, Zinedine Zidane’s side went ahead to defeat the in-form PSG by 3-1.
“ Before the first game against PSG people said ‘ Madrid is not good , PSG is going to win, is a top team ’ and Madrid win 3 – 1 because Madrid has 12 Champions Leagues and it is a lot .
“ It is a different competition , it is moments. Tomorrow we have the chance to be in quarter- finals for the second time in our history and that is so important . ”