Manchester City

Shamoon Hafez
Man City reporter

Pep Guardiola's 17th campaign as manager in this competition began with a win as Manchester City aim to make up for last season's disappointment when they failed to make the top-eight and were knocked out at the play-off stage.

City's recent form in this tournament has been poor, losing five of their past seven games before Napoli.

And they will have felt at times in this contest that they were going to be left frustrated as they saw ex-Manchester United academy man Vanja Milinkovic-Savic repel everything they threw at him.

But with Erling Haaland in their side, City have a player who knows where the back of the net is and seems intent on proving a point, taking his tally to six goals in five club games so far this term.

His headed effort from Phil Foden's glorious pass just before the hour mark drew relief all around the stadium as he comfortably beat Ruud van Nistelrooy's record of reaching 50 goals in 62 matches.

Manchester City's Phil Foden, who assisted Erling Haaland's 50th Champions League goal, speaking to TNT Sports: "They were a nightmare team to breakdown. I thought we were pretty clever and didn't give away too many turnovers.

"The first half was a bit frustrating. I wasn't getting too many touches between the lines. Erling [Haaland] is always going to make that run. It's just about getting that connection.

"He seems to break every record going. It's unheard of what he's doing. What an unbelievable player."

On Kevin de Bruyne's return: "He's a legend of the club. I can't thank him enough for what he has done. He's forever going to be a legend here."

Did you know

• Haaland scored his 50th goal on his 49th appearance in the Champions League, reaching half a century of goals in at least 13 appearances fewer than any other player in the competition's history (Ruud van Nistelrooy - 62 games).

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to TNT Sports: "Yes, it was [a perfect start to the Champions League campaign]. We play a lot of minutes against 10. Italian teams are unbelievable [at defending]. I've faced them many many times in the Champions League. The resilience, the focus...I admire them so much.

"I'm very pleased. It's been a tough week [Manchester derby plus Napoli] and we have an incredibly tough challenge on Sunday [against Arsenal] but we are going there with a good feeling."

On running out of different things to say about Erling Haaland: "Me too."

On Jeremy Doku's goal: "In small spaces, five metres, he is unstoppable. Really, really good."

Hear more from Guardiola on BBC Sounds

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The team news is easy for this game, both sides are unchanged from their league victories at the weekend.

Man City XI: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Rodri, Silva, Reijnders, Foden, Doku, Haaland.

The returning Kevin de Bruyne starts against his old club for Napoli, while former Manchester United players Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund are also in for the Serie A champions.

Napoli XI: Milinkovic-Savic, Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Buongiorno, Spinazzola, Lobotka, Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay, Hojlund.

There are six games in the Champions League on Thursday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

Kick-off times 20:00 BST unless stated.

• Club Brugge v Monaco (17:45)

• Copenhagen v Bayer Leverkusen (17:45)

• Eintracht Frankfurt v Galatasaray

• Manchester City v Napoli - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Newcastle v Barcelona - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Sporting v Kairat Almaty

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v Napoli" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Barcelona".

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City are set to welcome back a familiar face, who may return to haunt them, as they begin their Champions League campaign on Thursday.

Kevin de Bruyne won 16 trophies in a decade at City and there are plans to immortalise him with a statue outside Etihad Stadium.

Former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte masterminded Napoli's Scudetto success last season and they have started this campaign in impressive fashion, sitting top of the table again with a 100% record after three games.

"De Bruyne is the fundamental point of Conte's 2.0 project," Naples-based journalist Vincenzo Credendino told BBC Sport. "He has a player that is in the paradise of football players.

"In the last few years, Napoli haven't had a player of De Bruyne's calibre. They have had good young players who were trying to reach the top of football like Victor Osimhen, Edinson Cavani and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

"De Bruyne is technically on another level compared to the other players. He is the only one capable of playing the ball 60 metres with precision. He is an important resource for Conte because he adds something different."

After an emotional send-off from Manchester City, which brought boss Pep Guardiola to tears, the midfielder will be given a hero's welcome on Thursday as he returns to a place he describes as "home".

De Bruyne appears to have fitted in seamlessly at his new residence, scoring two goals in his opening three games, and the City defenders will know first-hand the quality he possesses.

Guardiola said it will be "nice to have him back" and players at De Bruyne's level "don't need that much time to adapt".

"I have spoken to Kevin and have asked him a few things," added Conte. "He has been part of this club for 10 years and has had a great coach like Pep Guardiola.

"He will be excited to be playing but I am hoping after the first whistle he will find his feet and remember that he is playing for Napoli and contribute like he has been doing."

Read the full BBC Sport feature here

Image source, Getty Images

Napoli coach Antonio Conte has been speaking about Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola before the sides meet on Thursday: "The atmosphere in Manchester, Sir Alex Ferguson was for a long time at Manchester United. Now for Pep to stay at one club for 10 years is incredible. It shows there is great synergy behind him, the club and the players. To stay 10 years it is very difficult. You have to find new energy every year and to give energy to the players. We are talking about, in my opinion, the best coach in the world."

Juventus will attempt to sign 31-year-old Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer. (Tuttosport - in Italian), external

Manchester City are considering a shock move for Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo, but they are likely to face competition from Newcastle United and Chelsea for the 20-year-old midfielder. (Teamtalk), external

Birmingham City are keen to tie 14-year-old England Under-15 goalkeeper Alfie Smith down to new deal to fend off interest from Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Gianluigi Donnarumma says "a demonstration of affection" shown towards him by those at Manchester City made it a simple decision to join the club.

Donnarumma impressed in Sunday's Manchester derby on his debut after his summer switch from Paris St-Germain - and is set to make his first European appearance for City on Thursday against his hometown club Napoli.

"Before the summer, I knew that City were very interested in me and then the relationship strengthened," said the 26-year-old Italy goalkeeper.

"I knew that the coach was pushing for my arrival here. Everybody wanted me here so that really spurred me on and gave me such pride to see such a demonstration of affection from them. I hope to give my all for City, for this badge.

"I was very clear my desire was to come here. That was my first and my only option - the only thing I wanted.

"It's an honour and a pride to be here. It's history - football history - so I am really excited to be here and to have him as my coach."

Donnarumma played a key role in PSG's Champions League-winning side last season, but still believes there is a lot of room for his game to develop under Pep Guardiola.

"I definitely still have a lot to improve and I can still give so much more. That's my objective - to keep improving and give my all for the team," he added.

"I'm happy to be here at City, a part of this fantastic team, this fantastic family, and to give so much to these colours, this badge. I really hope to do it for many years to come."

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Premier League game against Napoli at Etihad Stadium (20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Guardiola was asked whether he is looking forward to seeing Kevin de Bruyne on his return to Manchester: "After the game. Of course it's nice to have him back. The players in that level [Serie A] adapt so quickly and they don't need that much time to adapt."

• On whether they are contenders for the Champions League: "Apparently we are not [contenders]. Just enjoy the moment - we are happy to be here after the path we have been [on] so we are just focusing on tomorrow, the game we have to play and starting well in this competition."

• Guardiola was asked about Erling Haaland's leadership role in the dressing room: "It is a question of time, as normal. In the first season, he came into a team that was winning a lot - except in the Champions League - and he helped to bring that incredible trophy for us. It is a question of maturity over time. He is a little bit older even though he is still young."

• He did not commit to either the Premier League or Champions League being a priority: "[My] priority is the next game and it always has been since I arrived here. We do not choose the next game and in 10 days we go to Huddersfield [in the Carabao Cup] and then that will be the most important one. We take every game seriously."

• On Gianluigi Donnarumma's experience: "I would always say in the last decade we have had incredible goalkeepers. Gigi, at his age - just 26 years old - he can play for us for many years and he is a top-class keeper."

• On Napoli's transformation under Antonio Conte: "Of course he [Conte] can do good things because he is a top-class manager. Whatever [club] has his stamp on it, it is no surprise to me [that it will succeed]."

Follow all of Wednesday's Champions League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to live commentary of Man City v Napoli on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra on Thursday

You can also listen to 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v Chelsea" or "ask BBC Sounds to play the Manchester City game".

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Hugo Viana says he is "confident" and "comfortable" working alongside Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola since taking up the director of football role.

Following a handover period, Viana replaced Txiki Begiristain in July after the Spaniard's 13-year period at the club, which included 21 major trophies being delivered.

"Having the right recruitment and scouting department at the football club, and also nowadays it's really important to have a really good data department," Viani said in his first interview.

"First, we have to identify the positions that the team need to be better and during that process we have a lot of meetings with Pep and then with the scouting department.

"But nowadays, we can speak about talent, the right characteristics to any position we are looking for. But with the evolution of the game, the intensity of the game also, we need to have players with the right physicality and who are physically reliable. It's really important in the Premier League.

"I feel comfortable, I feel confident, and I think they [Ferran Soriano and Pep] are also - otherwise I would not be here."

City have signed six players for about £270m this summer, including the arrival of Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Viana added: "We have four great goalkeepers in James [Trafford], Donnarumma, Marcus [Bettinelli] and [Stefan] Ortega, which was important for the club and the dressing room.

"I don't see any team stronger than us on the goalkeeping position, so we are really happy with them. We have two young goalkeepers in Donnarumma, who is 26, and James, who is 22, which is important for the future of the club."

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Ilkay Gundogan says he has joined his "childhood club" and one his "whole family supports" after leaving Manchester City for Galatasaray.

The Turkey-born Germany international, 34, signed for the Super Lig champions on a free transfer on deadline day.

Gundogan returns to Istanbul where he won the Champions League with City in 2023, completing a Treble of trophies for the club.

He pointed to that moment as one of his favourite memories in a City shirt, as well as scoring twice against rivals Manchester United to win the 2023 FA Cup and a late double against Aston Villa which helped claim the 2021-22 Premier League title.

Gundogan, who made his Galatasaray debut on Saturday, said: "I would say that [Champions League win] was probably the most that I wanted [to win in] my career.

"It was just the perfect ending to that season and then obviously for me, being here in my home country, having the opportunity to play in Istanbul, the Champions League final and then winning it and making it a Treble as a captain, having the privilege to lift all these trophies, it could have not been better.

"It's just unbelievable."

On working with City boss Pep Guardiola, Gundogan added: "It was amazing. I would say it's more than just a manager/player relationship. It's more than that.

"He gave me everything that I wanted in football, I've learned so much. He had such a big impact also on my career and I think without him that what I've achieved, what we have achieved, would have not been possible.

"I think every single player that played under him, especially in the era of Manchester City will probably say the same: that we are all very grateful, and we feel privileged that we had the opportunity to work with the best."

Watch former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given and former Premier League striker Chris Sutton discuss the club's current goalkeeper situation following the arrivals of James Trafford and Gianluigi Donnarumma over the summer.

"James Trafford's a brilliant goalkeeper," Given told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"In the year of a World Cup, I think Pep's given him the full sales pitch.

"Fast forward two weeks and the big man Donnarumma comes in from Italy and he's parked up for the season.

"If it was me, I'd be raging."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

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Freddie Pye
Fan writer

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When Phil Foden single-handedly drove Manchester City to a fourth consecutive Premier League title in 2023-24, many believed that the Stockport-born playmaker was firmly hitting the heights many had tipped him to reach - a player who carries the weight of expectation and performance on his sky blue shoulders.

By the time the 2024-25 campaign had concluded, the England international was nowhere to be seen. Hints of off-field struggles, injury problems hampering his ability to consistently perform and an ageing Manchester City side that was desperate for fresh life, impetus and, perhaps most importantly, passion for the cause and badge.

And then came the Manchester derby. A fixture that always tends to bring out the very best in those that have a greater and deeper understanding of the personal meaning behind the contest, a fixture that always tends to bring the very best out of Foden.

From largely a number 10 position, and a role that many City fans have been crying out to see Foden star in since his first-team introduction in 2017, Foden was the inspiration, leading energy and creative spark behind a much more encouraging performance from Pep Guardiola's side after a difficult start.

In a post-Kevin de Bruyne era, somebody needs to take the creative responsibility. That somebody has long been expected to be Foden, and with a big-game performance like Sunday against Manchester United, at a time when a win was imperative to lifting spirits, we may have seen a further example of the 25-year-old being exactly that figure.

The question is now whether this is a responsibility that Foden can consistently manage, and whether the biggest of occasions - with Napoli and Arsenal on the horizon - can bring out the very best in a truly generational talent and no doubt a future Manchester City legend.

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external

Listen to Foden's chat with BBC Radio Manchester after the derby here