The former Inter Milan star knows a thing or two about the Uefa Champions League, having won the competition with the Serie A side in 2010 and he believes that City’s meeting with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday is more than a battle for second place in Group D.
German champions Dortmund got off to the perfect start in the tournament with a 1-0 win over Ajax at the Signal Iduna Park on Match Day One, meaning that City are already at a deficit in the race for qualification.
“We can still win the group but you can’t think like that in the Uefa Champions League, we have to take each match as it comes and not think about first, second or third,” said the full-back.
“All the group matches are very delicate, especially considering we didn’t get anything in Madrid – it makes the second match against Dortmund very difficult.”
“You can’t afford to leave points behind in the Uefa Champions League in your home matches but Roberto Mancini knows this better than me and I’m sure we will go and play with the right spirit and the right attitude against Dortmund.”
City’s 2-1 win at Fulham suggests Roberto Mancini’s side are finding something close to their blistering form of last season, especially as the new summer recruits bed in.
Maicon has reassured City’s supporters that he and the other new arrivals will soon settle into life in England.
“The onus is on us to hit top gear as soon as possible because Manchester City is a top club,” Maicon admitted.
“We need to adapt immediately to the level of the team and try to fight for every target this year - we have to understand very quickly what is required.”
...Maicon...
“We approach every game in the best possible way, mentally, tactically, technically – do our best and then we will see where we end up.”
The 31-year old started the 3-2 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu before a heel injury led to his withdrawal in the 74th minute and the Novo Hamburgo born defender is in a race against time to be fit for the Wednesday’s match.
“My objective is to be there so I will do everything I can to be fit for the game but it’s going to be difficult as the last thing we want is for me to play and then be out for longer,” he said.
Dortmund tickets - don’t miss out!
Tickets, priced from £15 for under 16s and from £35 for adults, for City’s first home Group Stage clash with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday 3 October are still available.
Supporters can buy now from the Stadium Box Office, at mcfc.co.uk/tickets, or by calling 0161 444 1894 (24 hour).
Plus, supporters will be able to improve their chances of seeing the Blues take on Spanish champions, Real Madrid.
Purchase match tickets for the two Group Stage Uefa Champions League home games against Borussia Dortmund and Ajax to get priority on seats for our final home Group Stage match against Real Madrid.
Not only will supporters be able to see the Premier League Champions pitched against the German and Dutch champions, but those who do buy a ticket for Borussia Dortmund and Ajax, will enjoy an exclusive opportunity to purchase a ticket for the game against Real Madrid (all tickets are subject to availability and qualifying sales criteria).
Buy now online at www.mcfc.co.uk/tickets, in person at the Ticket Office above the City Store at the Etihad Stadium or call 0161 444 1894*. Tickets for the game against Ajax on Tuesday 6 November will go on sale week commencing 8 October.
When tickets have been processed for Platinum and Gold Members who are actively registered on the UEFA Competition Cup Scheme, tickets for the game against Real Madrid on Wednesday 21st November will go on sale to:
2012/13 Gold and Platinum Members not registered on the UEFA Competition Cup Scheme.
2012/13 Blue Members with Match Ticket priority.
Should any tickets remain, these will then go on sale to;
Supporters who have purchased a match ticket for both Borussia Dortmund and Ajax.
Remaining tickets will then go on general sale to supporters in line with any associated sales criteria.
Alternatively, why not treat yourself and your guests to hospitality for the Borussia Dortmund match with prices from just £80 + VAT. Call our Hospitality Sales team on 0161 444 1894 (option 1, option 2) for more details.
*Tickets purchased over the telephone will be subject to a £2.50 booking fee per ticket and phone lines are open 24-hours, 7 days a week. No booking fee payable on tickets purchased online.
All tickets and hospitality are sold subject to availability and are issued subject to Manchester City Football Club Limited’s 2012-13 home match terms and conditions of sale, 2012-13 Hospitality terms and conditions of sale (available upon request) and any applicable ground regulations.
