Guehi calls on Manchester City to tighten defence before AEK Athens test

Marc Guehi says Manchester City must learn from their defensive errors as they seek to strengthen their UEFA Champions League campaign against AEK Athens on Tuesday.

The match is City’s fourth in nine days and their third successive home fixture, adding to the physical demands on Enzo Maresca’s squad as they look for greater consistency.

Guehi has completed every minute of that run, which began with a 3-0 victory over Liverpool before City suffered a 4-2 Champions League defeat by Paris Saint-Germain. They then beat Ipswich Town 3-2 in the Premier League.

While City have made a strong start domestically, they have conceded nine goals in their past three home matches, prompting scrutiny of their defensive displays.

Guehi believes those issues are partly a consequence of the squad adjusting to Maresca’s methods and expects the team to improve as they become more accustomed to the manager’s tactical instructions.

“New manager and getting used to playing together in the system the manager wants us to (use), and hopefully as time goes by, we learn and improve,” the England defender said.

The defender also accepted that he had made mistakes of his own and said examining individual performances was necessary if City were to progress.

“Things that we can do better. For example, in the last game I know I can do better but that’s just football,” he said.

“There’s work we can do as a team but when I look at those goals at the weekend, it’s down to me and for me to look at and try to improve and put right in the next game.”

The congested schedule has required City to divide their time between preparing tactically and ensuring players recover properly. Guehi said video analysis and training remain important, but that rest and sleep are just as vital during a demanding period.

City have taken three points from their opening two matches in the Champions League league phase. They began with a 2-0 away win against Porto, before losing to reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

AEK Athens also have three points from their first two games and will provide City with another test as they attempt to put their European campaign back on track.

Guehi warned that the Greek side possess dangerous forwards and considerable experience.

“We know they’re a very good team and got a win in their first game and have very good attackers that have a lot of experience,” he said.

“So we need to be aware and mindful of that.”

He expects AEK Athens to make the contest difficult for the hosts, but believes City can take a valuable victory if they perform at their best.

“They are going to come here and try to make the game difficult, but hopefully we can do well and get the three points,” Guehi added.