Pep Guardiola was asked about Napoli in his press conference ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, but refused to discuss the Serie A league leaders.
Manchester City are regarded as one of the perennial favourites for the Champions League, but first will have to find a way past Bayern in the quarter-finals. Should they win, they’d face the winners of Chelsea-Real Madrid for a spot in the final, a tough draw.
Napoli have also emerged as contenders for the Champions League title this season and seemingly have a simpler path to the final, facing Milan in the quarter-finals and the victor of Inter-Benfica in the semis.
Speaking in a press conference today, Guardiola was asked about Napoli and their hopes in the Champions League.
“I don’t want to talk about Napoli because the manager will be grumpy with me. So sensitive!
“As much you play this competition, quarter-finals, semi-finals, finals with the same players, it’s easier. It’s the feeling ‘I’ve been here, and I know what to do.
“We’ve played just one Champions League final in our life. But both sides, the moment you start the game you have to be at your best. That will make the difference.”
Guardiola was hesitant to discuss Napoli after the backlash he received from Spalletti following his previous compliments.
Last month, the Manchester City coach said about the Partenopei: “Napoli are perhaps the best team in Europe this year, in terms of style of play, close to Arsenal.”
When asked about Guardiola’s comments, Spalletti was unimpressed, responding: “No, I’m not proud. It doesn’t make me proud. It’s a game to put pressure on the rest. We all know it already.”