Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino heaped praise on his Champions League round of 16 opponents Manchester City on the eve of the first-leg clash, stating that they are "one of the greatest teams in the world right now".
"City are similar to us. They are a bit more direct, good at possession and like to elaborate with the ball" the former Paraguay coach said.
"They are one of the greatest teams in the world right now"
Martino also aired his admiration for City's attacking attributes, and claimed his side would have to keep possession to thwart their potent armoury from becoming the focal point of the game.
"What stands out about City is their diversity; they have many ways of advancing, through the middle, from both wings" Martino said to the packed audience in the press room at the Etihad Stadium.
"They are good at set-pieces, good in the air and can score a lot of goals. We will have to keep possession to stop this".
The Blaugrana manager also revealed that he would decide on Tuesday morning whether or not to start Neymar. The Brazilian star had been out for two and half weeks with an ankle injury and could start alongside Lionel Messi at the Etihad.
Martino also spoke of Sergio Aguero's absence, lamenting his countryman's injury as a fan but stating it is "one less problem as Barcelona manager".
Source: DSG
