Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes the club are progressing but still have some way to go to match the best in Europe. The Italian was quoted in The Sun as saying: "I would say City are a bit like Juventus. They are growing but are still a bit behind the big European clubs.

"To win the Champions League you need experience and the right squad. There aren't many games, so if you get two wrong then you're out of the running.

"In the Champions League last year, we had the toughest group. Now they have lost two important players in Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli.

"I do not agree with those who say German or even English clubs are dominant in Europe.

"The Germans have the benefit of a long winter break, while the English lose intensity as time goes on because they never stop playing.

"Bayern Munich are the team to beat, as they are full of stars, solid at the back and strong on the counter-attack. I still consider Barcelona to be the strongest team, though."