Champions League: 3rd round – Because of artificial turf: Manchester City adjusts program before YB game – Sport

The artificial turf in Wankdorf in Bern ensures adapted preparation for the defending champions in the Champions League.

As the Manchester Evening News reports, Manchester City will complete their final training session at the Wankdorf Stadium on Tuesday. What is otherwise usual is an exception for coach Pep Guardiola’s star ensemble. Since the corona pandemic, the “Citizens” have preferred to train at the local City Football Academy and only travel for the media conference. UEFA rules are not as strict regarding the final session as they are regarding media activities.

Does YB have an advantage on artificial turf?

The aim of the defending champion is to adapt to the unfamiliar surface. There are no stadiums with artificial turf in England’s professional football. However, in recent decades technology has also found its way into the motherland of football: polyethylene fibers are an integral part of the terrain in the Premier League.

Whether YB has an advantage against the currently best team in the world will be seen on Wednesday evening (kick-off 9:00 p.m.). The balance sheet in recent years does not necessarily speak for the Bernese:

YB and the mixed home record against English clubs

City’s city rivals Manchester United complained about the defeat after the 2-1 defeat at Wankdorf two years ago. «We lost the game, there is no excuse. We can’t blame the pitch, but this shouldn’t be allowed in the Champions League. It’s too dangerous,” said Luke Shaw.

Speaking of Manchester United: The duel against their city rivals will take place next Sunday. For 10 years, City has always finished the championship ahead of the Red Devils. The team of Erling Haaland, Manuel Akanji and Co. is currently 6 points ahead of United.