• Champions League

Kompany: City don't fear Madrid

ESPN staff
September 11, 2012
Vincent Kompany led Manchester City to Community Shield success last month © Getty Images
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Vincent Kompany is relishing Manchester City's second foray into the Champions League, despite admitting it is a tougher group than last year.

In City's maiden Champions League campaign, they were grouped with Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal and failed to progress from the group stage. Their task is arguably harder this year as they will face Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax.

City captain Kompany feels such tasks are what the players should relish and they will not shirk away from the issue, despite it being a huge challenge.

"Games like this are why you are in the Champions League," Kompany is quoted as saying in the Sun. "I thought it couldn't get more difficult than last year but there you go.

"It's a great challenge. I think we are the sort of team which gets better as the challenges get even greater.

"It's perfect for us. There won't be any moments where we will be surprised. The motivation will be sky-high, the atmosphere great. I couldn't think of a better way to play the Champions League.

"It's all about how far you can get but it's even nicer when you play against the best teams."

City have made a bright start to the Premier League season with two wins and a draw from three games but Kompany has warned their title rivals that they are nowhere near top form.

"I'm happy with things so far," he said. "We won the Community Shield and have made a good start, with seven points out of nine.

"If we can win games when supposedly not at our best, what will happen if we do hit top form?"

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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