Kevin De Bruyne insists Manchester City will not be scared of Barcelona

Manchester City are not afraid of Barcelona, according to City star Kevin De Bruyne.

City travel to Barcelona on Wednesday night to face the Catalan giants, having lost to them four times over the last three seasons. However, according to ESPN, the Belgian international is confident former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola will know exactly what to do against his old club

“The trainer has his idea — we do not know exactly but it can be very good,” he told reporters. “We do not fear. The style of play is very dominant and we have not played badly [against Everton]. We just have not scored more, that’s all.”

De Bruyne, who has been in sparkling form for City this season, has only just returned from an injury layoff, but will almost certainly start against Barcelona in their group C clash. Pep Guardiola, who earlier this season said that De Bruyne is second only to Messi in the world, will return to the Camp Nou hoping to break City’s current run of frustrating draws, with the 1-1 draw at Everton having seen them fail to get a victory for the third match in a row.

Barcelona have been a constant thorn in Manchester City’s side, with the Catalan champions responsible for City’s exit from the competition last season. Pep Guardiola, who remains Barcelona’s most successful manager of all time, is no stranger to the competition having guided the Spanish club to the trophy on two occasions.

However, City – who have struggled defensively in recent weeks – will have to contain what is easily the best strike force in the world, with Messi, Suarez and Neymar – who recently put pen to paper on a new deal – continuing their rampant form from last season.

Barcelona are currently top of Group C, and a victory against City will all but confirm their progress to the knockout stage.