Sergei Rebrov says Manchester City have weaknesses

Dynamo Kiev coach Sergei Rebrov is keen to exploit potential Manchester City weaknesses when they meet in the Champions League.

Posted Wednesday, February 24, 2016 by skysports.com

Sergei Rebrov says Manchester City have weaknesses
Dynamo Kiev coach Sergei Rebrov is keen to take advantage of Man City weaknesses

The Ukrainians host City in the first leg of their last-16 clash at the Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex on Wednesday, with the visitors going into the match on the back of three successive defeats.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini opted to play an under-strength team in the 5-1 loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup on Sunday and Rebrov hopes Dynamo can capitalise on any flaws in their opponents.

Sergei Rebrov says Manchester City have weaknesses
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini

The former Tottenham and West Ham striker said: "Manchester City have scored the [equal] most goals in the Premier League, so I am sure they say they are not misfiring.

"It is important to realise the potential of Manchester City in attack, and with [Vincent] Kompany's return, power is restored in the defence.

"And when we talk about Manchester City, or any other team in the Champions League, these results in these competitions do not matter. It is the Champions League - it is a different tournament.

"But opponents have weaknesses. We have paid attention to them and I hope we will take advantage of them."

Sergei Rebrov says Manchester City have weaknesses
Rebrov in action for Tottenham against Man City in 2001

Kiev have not played a competitive match since December due to Ukraine's winter break but Rebrov is confident his players are in good shape, with key forward Andriy Yarmolenko the only doubt for Dynamo.

The 41-year-old, who scored a late winner for Spurs at City in 2001, added: "I hope all our players will be ready to take the field tomorrow. Now they are all healthy, all eager for the fight."

The game will take place at an open stadium after Dynamo successfully appealed against the severity of a two-match closure order. Kiev had to play their last Champions League group game against Maccabi Tel Aviv behind closed doors for offences including the racist behaviour of fans.

"It was very uncomfortable to hold the match with Maccabi without an audience, it is passed on to players," Rebrov said. "But tomorrow they will have a very different attitude. With full stands they will have a double motivation."