SportBook Service | Pep Guardiola admits something special is missing from Man Citys bid to win Champions League

PEP GUARDIOLA says "something special" is missing from Manchester City's bid to conquer Europe.

And the Etihad chief says his team need their fans to back them if they are ever going to lift the Champions League.

Manager Pep Guardiola says the whole club needs to fully embrace the Champions League before Manchester City can fully challenge to win itCredit: Reuters

City are in UEFA's top competition for an eighth successive season - but their supporters have yet to fall in love with it.

Ahead of their game against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night, Guardiola says he does not feel the club is ready to be Euro kings.

He said: "In this competition you need something special, and still I don't feel it.

"One important thing to win this kind of title, you have to be pushed, not just by the manager, by everyone surrounding Manchester City.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola speaks to his coaches during training at the Metallist stadium in KharkivCredit: AFP or licensors

Leroy Sane prepares for Shakhtar Donetsk during training in Kharkiv, UkraineCredit: AP:Associated Press

"And still we don't have that feeling - the feeling that the fans are pushing that we have to win the Champions League.

"It's not enough that the manager wants to win it. It's not just the players.

"You have to have the desire, the club, chairman, owner, the fans, everyone has to push to be closer, to achieve the next stages. when it happens, everyone will feel it."

Despite his concerns, Guardiola says he will be doing everything to try to lead City to European glory.

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Manchester City: Team news, kick-off time, TV channel and live stream for UEFA Champions League clash

They still have work to do to reach the knock-out stages after losing to Lyon at the Etihad in their opening tie.

He said: "I saw last season and this season that in many circumstances, the club we are, still we are not ready to win it.. That's what I feel.

"That doesn't mean we are not going to try. To win this competition it's not enough just to have desire, or wanting to win.

Manchester City's Ukrainian midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko, second left, keeps his eye on the ball before playing hjs home nation side Shakhtar DonetskCredit: AFP or licensors

Benjamin Mendy, left, is one of several Man City players in hats as they adjust to the cold in UkraineCredit: AP:Associated Press

"You have to have many circumstances, have experience and still we don't have enough in some moments. but every game is a new experience.

"Normally what happens is you get closer, that's why i feel we are a really good team, it's a pleasure to work with them."

Guardiola won the biggest prize in Europe twice during his time in charge of Barcelona and also while a player at the Nou Camp.

He said: "I was born in Barcelona and grew up there. I started to play there.

Man City players, fans and everyone else at the club must rally together to create the right atmosphere for winning the Champions League, says Pep GuardiolaCredit: AFP or licensors

"Then when you start to play they innoculate it into your blood and body that the only way to survive is to win.

"But also i learned that when you don't life goes on and you have another chance the next season. we'll put more efforts into winning this competition.

"Maybe in the future, maybe with other players and other managers....I'm pretty sure we'll be closer with the way the club is working over five or 10 years.

"Every year we'll be closer and sooner or later it's going to happen. Hopefully as soon as possible."

Pep Guardiola's squad are hoping to finally surge towards Champions League gloryCredit: AFP or licensors