Pep Guardiola the best coach in the world, says Steaua Bucharest boss
Monday 15 August 2016 14:28, UK
Steaua Bucharest boss Laurentiu Reghecampf believes he can get the better of "the best coach in the world" when they take on Manchester City in the Champions League qualifiers.
Reghecampf will pit his wits against Pep Guardiola, a two-time winner of the competition with Barcelona, as the Spaniard brings his new team to the Romanian capital for the first leg of a crucial play-off on Tuesday.
Victory in the tie would take Steaua, European Cup winners in 1986, back into the group stage for the first time in three years.
Reghecampf thinks it is a realistic target, despite Guardiola's formidable reputation and City's star-studded squad.
The 40-year-old said: "We saw City play Sunderland and have all the information to play football well and achieve a positive result.
"Even if we face a big team, even if we face the best coach in the world with fantastic results, it is a huge chance for us to prove ourselves.
"I am very confident that we will qualify for the group stage again. We have a strong team and the match starts at 0-0."
Reghecampf wants his side to hit the ground running against a team containing the likes of Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva, who reached the semi-finals of the competition last season.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference at the impressive Arena Nationala, Reghecampf said: "We will try from the first match to attack and score goals. We don't have any other choice.
"But there are two matches, we have to be very focused. Let's be serious, if we score one or two goals we will be happy but not at all qualified.
"Next week City will play in a sold-out stadium and will have the support of their fans. All results can be turned around in the second leg. We have just to target a positive result."
Captain Nicolae Stanciu hopes he can inspire a famous victory and insists his mind is fully on the challenge despite being linked with a move to Celta Vigo.
The 23-year-old midfielder said: "We have to be focused only on the match. I am proud to be captain at such a big club. I am happy and privileged. I hope my display will motivate my team-mates."
