Neymar says Manchester City are miles behind Barcelona

Neymar believes Barcelona are a long way ahead of Manchester City

Neymar has claimed that Manchester City are still some way away from being on a level platform to Barcelona, saying there is still a lot of work for them to do to be considered a force in Europe.

Manchester City progressed from the group stages of the Champions League for the first time in their three appearances in the competition this year, but will face stiff opposition if they are to continue any further, as they come up against the Catalan giants in the round of 16.

And Neymar feels that it is far too early to be calling City a European superpower, feeling Barcelona still have the strength to overcome their Premier League opponents.

The Brazilian striker told Goal, “I have read things about Manchester City beating Barcelona because of the amount of goals they are scoring in England – but I think the reality is that Manchester City are still a long way behind Barcelona.

“They do have very good players – but we have much more experience in the competition.

“We will respect them, but if we concentrate and play the way we know we can, then I think we will progress.”

Neymar returned from an ankle injury sustained in the Copa Del Rey in January to come off the bench and score in the 6-0 thrashing of Rayo Vallecano and hopes to prove his fitness enough to get some game time in this visit to the Etihad, as he wants to soak up as many Champions League appearances as he can, having only arrived from Brazil last summer.

“Of course I am desperate to be back for the games against Manchester City. This is why I chose to play for Barcelona – so I could be involved in important European nights like this.

“Every competition is important for us, but of course there is something very special about the Champions League. It is my dream to win it this season.”