Pep Guardiola watches Manchester City training after Premier League holders were given a favourable Champions League draw
- Manchester City take on Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday
- City were handed a favourable Champions League draw on Thursday evening
- Pep Guardiola’s side will take on Lyon, Shakhtar Donetsk and Hoffenheim
- Guardiola wants his players to progress as far as the final in Europe this term
Pep Guardiola had reason to look relaxed on Thursday evening after learning that his Manchester City side would have a strong chance of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League.
Guardiola’s side trained after City had been handed the easiest of Champions League draws in Monaco.
City, who are unbeaten in the Premier League, know they must challenge for Europe’s greatest club prize if they are to move forward.
Pep Guardiola watched over his Manchester City players in training on Thursday afternoon
City are preparing for the home fixture against Newcastle United in the Premier League
Benjamin Mendy poses with City playmaker Bernardo Silva during the training session
City have struggled in Europe in previous seasons. Guardiola’s side were knocked out at the quarter-final stage by Liverpool last term.
On Thursday, they were drawn against Shakhtar Donetsk, Lyon and Hoffenheim. It represents the easiest chance any side has of progressing to the knockout stages.
Attention now turns back to the Premier League and this Saturday’s game against Newcastle. City are attempting to keep pace at the top of the table ahead of the international break.
Guardiola has challenged his players to replicate the success of last season when City won the league and the Carabao Cup.
Ilkay Gundogan smiles as City’s players take a moment or two to relax during training
England defender John Stones looks on as he prepares for the weekend’s league action
City goalkeeper Ederson is expected to start in goal for his side against Newcastle on Saturday
Phil Foden and Gabriel Jesus walk out to training while showing off their skills
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