Marc Guéhi says Tuesday’s return to UEFA Champions League action at home to AEK Athens offers City another priceless opportunity to further progress and develop as a team.
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Tomorrow night’s game comes in the midst of a demanding and busy schedule with City in action for the fourth time in nine days after the resumption of domestic action, and now preparing for a third home game in succession.
Guéhi has played every minute of that sequence which began with a 3-0 win at Liverpool and then took in a 4-2 UEFA Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain before last Saturday’s 3-2 Etihad league win against Ipswich.
Overall, City have made a superb fist of things so far this term and sit top of the Premier League table having recorded seven wins out of seven.
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And though the Blues have conceded nine goals at home in our last three Etihad outings, Guéhi said he and colleagues were learning and improving all the time just three months into Enzo Maresca’s reign.
“I wouldn’t say [it’s] a concern [conceding thise goals]. There are many things we have to consider,” the England central defender said at his pre-match press conference.
“New manager and getting used to playing together in the system the manager wants us to [use] and hopefully as time goes by, we learn and improve.
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“[With so many games] There have been a lot of meetings and reviewing clips inside.
“Things that we can do better. For example, in the last game I know I can do better but that’s just football.
“I’m glad I’ve got teammates to help me out at the other end as well.
“As much learning [as we can] whether it’s on the pitch or off the field with the clips that we’re watching.
“When we can we get on the pitch to go through things and tactics but it’s a lot of recovery, sleep, and making sure the body is right for the next game.
“There’s work we can do as a team but when I look at those goals at the weekend, it’s down to me and for me to look at and try to improve and put right in the next game.”
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City will go into Tuesday’s game with three points from our opening two UCL league phase assignments.
A 2-0 victory away at FC Porto in mid-September was then followed by last week’s eventful 4-2 loss at home to reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Those results have left City sitting in 17th place in the composite table with tomorrow’s visitors from Greece also on three points and sitting in 20th.
From his perspective the central defender said he was anticipating another demanding evening against the Greek visitors.
“We know they’re a very good team and got a win in their first game and have very good attackers that have a lot of experience,” Guéhi added.
“So we need to be aware and mindful of that.
“They are going to come here and try to make the game difficult [but] hopefully we can do well and get the three points.”
Be at City v AEK Athens!
We welcome the Greek champions in a 20:00 (UK) kick-off on Tuesday 20 October for our third game in this year’s League Phase.
Known for their vociferous support and enjoying their first Champions League campaign since 2018/19, the striking yellow and black colours of AEK Athens make for a spectacle everywhere they go.
And every game counts if we’re to finish in the top eight and ensure safe progression through to the Round of 16.
So make sure you’re there to support the Blues, with adult prices starting from £35 and Under-18s just £20 each.
And why not make a special night of it?
We have a wide range of hospitality packages available, whether you’re looking for an exclusive bar, a dining experience or true once-in-a-lifetime magic, it’s all available at the Etihad Stadium.