Why Barcelona star player Messi is Guardiola's biggest problem - Alan Shearer

From Left: Barcelona Argentine forward Lionel Messi and Manchester City Spanish Manager Pep Guardiola - Getty

Barcelona and Lionel Messi are the biggest reason I don't think Manchester City will win the quadruple.


Looking at the Champions League draw, if Pep Guardiola's side make the final then I would expect Barca to be their opponents in Madrid, and I don't think they would beat them.

It would be a great game, but any team with Messi playing for them would be the favourites.

City, of course, have to get there first. They have not faced anyone of note yet in Europe, but if they continue their progress then that is where they will probably meet the toughest opponents of their entire season.

They should get past Tottenham in the quarter-finals, although Tuesday's first leg at Spurs' new stadium will be a big occasion and it is going to be tough for them.

Get through that and it is either Juventus or Ajax in the semi-finals. Again, there is no easy option there, so it is definitely going to be the hardest competition for them to win.

I believe they could win the other three trophies but, on top of everything else, the Champions League could be too much for them. BBC Sport