Vieira: City should follow Barca´s lead

Manchester City coach Patrick Vieira has urged the club to model themselves on Barcelona but has said the fans must be patient as they aim to join Europe’s elite.

City have enjoyed a sharp upturn since the arrival of Sheikh Mansour as owner of the club, and Vieira says if they want to be successful there is no better team to copy than Barcelona.

The Premier League leaders are currently involved in their first Champions League campaign but have so far endured mixed fortunes in the competition. However, Vieira has called for patience.

“You have to remember that City is a new club among the elite. In fact, this is the first time we’ve played in the Champions League,” Vieira told Barca TV.

“If we take the example of Barca, this team got where it is after many years among the elite and a youth policy means several years of patience.”

“You can’t invent a football philosophy in one or even five years, it takes time.”

“But there can always be surprises in the Champions League, and it could be City this year. We have a quality team and a wonderful spirit.”

“It is no secret that Barca is an example of a successful youth system.”

“When you see a team win the Champions League with six or seven of its youth players in the side, you know they’re doing the right job. It is an example Manchester City should follow.”