Voices on the game – Manchester City

There’s always plenty to ponder ahead of each game. In our new feature here on tottenhamhotspur.com, we bring you some of the key opinions on each fixture ahead of kick-off, featuring a selection of voices from inside both clubs involved and the wider footballing world. Up next, Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday, kick-off 5.30pm.

Paul Hirst

Reporter for Times Sport, covering Manchester City and Manchester United

“If it’s anything like the Champions League game, 4-3, we’re in for a treat. That is still one of the best matches I’ve ever covered, such a crazy match with five goals in the first 25 minutes. Heung-Min Son scored one of the best goals I saw last season that night, the whipped finish around the goalkeeper. I imagine it will be quite open, both teams try to attack – they don’t know any other way – and from City’s point of view, they seem to have a more balanced team at the moment.

"Rodri has settled in well, he's tall, strong, very calm on the ball. You watch him doing triangles with John Stones and Aymeric Laporte and it’s like watching rondos in training, quick, one-touch. Despite the fact they’ve lost Leroy Sane, they still look very threatening from the wide areas. Riyad Mahrez was very good against West Ham last weekend, he seems to be relishing the opportunity. It will be all-out attack from both teams and I’m sure it will be entertaining to watch.”

Mauricio Pochettino

Spurs manager

“They are so impressive, a solid team, well-organised with a lot of quality. In the last few years they have showed their quality and it’s going to be a massive challenge for us at the Etihad. It’s tough – for both sides – and we’ll give our best and try to get a good result.

“We know very well it’s always important when you face a team like Manchester City to try to beat them. We’re talking about three points like it was against Aston Villa and like it will be against Newcastle next week, but the most important thing is the feeling. We are in a period where we are building our best form but it’s important to have the mentality to go there and try to win.”

Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager

“We learnt how good they are on many occasions. They’re the second-best team in Europe.

“Since I came here to England they’ve been a real contender every season. The first season they finished second… they’ve always been there or thereabouts.”

Guardiola also spoke about the threats posed by Raheem Sterling after the England international registered a hat-trick in City’s opening-day victory at West Ham: “Raheem is one of most dangerous players in the Premier League,” he added. “If you look at the top six teams you find top players. We have many, like Raheem Sterling. I haven’t watched the other games, but he is performing so well. Everybody wants more and he wants more.”