New York City FC striker David Villa believes Pep Guardiola can lead Manchester City to Champions League glory.

The 36-year-old played under Guardiola at Barcelona, lifting the Champions League by beating Manchester United at Wembley back in 2011.

"Pep is one of the great coaches of all time in this sport and not only for his success," Villa said. "When you talk about coaches in history, you try to look at their success in winning trophies but Pep is more than that.

"He changed the way of soccer in Spain, in Germany and now he's changing it in Manchester. He's one of the greats - not only in terms of his success but also the things he's done in every country he's worked in.

"I know their focus is on the Champions League and it's very difficult to have success in that," he added. "If there's one man who can do it in Manchester, it's Pep. because of his mentality and the way he works.

"He can do it with City and why not this year? They have a strong team, the squad will know the style of Pep.

"He found a new style of play at Barcelona. Many players came through the academy and maybe it was easier for them to know the style. But with time I'm pretty sure City can do it with Pep."