Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol on helping Khusanov, new UCL format and scoring goals | OneFootball

Josko Gvardiol admits he prefers the old format of the UEFA Champions League ahead of Manchester City’s must-win fixture against Club Brugge.

The 2023 champions are under immense pressure to get a result in Wednesday’s clash to avoid early elimination in the revamped group league phase.

Going into the game, City sit 25th and two points adrift of a play-off spot in the first season under the new Swiss model.

Gvardiol knows which version he prefers. “I prefer the old one because you can prepare better when you play the teams twice and make the best out of the situation, but I think they’ll keep this one so I’ll have to get used to it.”

The Croatian is well aware of what is needed to get a result as they come up against a Brugge side enjoying a 20-match unbeaten run. “I’m going to enjoy it if I win,” he said.

“Tomorrow is a final for us, I think our confidence is good, especially after the last game and we’re going to be ready for tomorrow.”

Helping Khusanov

Their 3-1 victory over Chelsea in the Premier League after coming from behind, was an illustration of the quality which remains in the squad despite enduring a tough spell of form. However, a key talking point from this fixture was the struggles of new signing Abdukodir Khusanov.

Gvardiol dismissed any suggestion of a difficult debut. “He did a great job last game, it wasn’t easy, especially to make your debut against Chelsea. The good thing is he’s still young and I think he’ll be here for a long time and anything he needs he can ask me or the other experienced players.”

Eye for a goal

Gvardiol’s strike against Chelsea took the defender’s tally to five in the Premier League but insists he knows his main area of the pitch to keep goals out of his own net.

“I’ve said many times my job is to defend,” he explained. “But if I find myself near the opposite goal, I’ll do everything I can to help the team.”