Franck Ribery wary of Samir Nasri threat ahead of Bayern Munich's Champions League clash with Manchester City

Ribery has heaped praise upon his France team-mate, who has enjoyed a fine run of form in recent weeks

Samir Nasri has a new lease of life at Manchester City – and Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery knows he could hurt the European champions this week, writes Dean Jones in the Sunday People.

Nasri struggled during Roberto Mancini’s Etihad reign, but new manager Manuel Pellegrini has given him renewed belief.

Fellow Frenchman Ribery, who faces his big pal on Wednesday in the Champions League, said: “Sami is like a different person. He’s like a brother to me – he told me he got down when not playing under the old coach.

“We are now seeing the Samir we saw at Arsenal – one of the most gifted players in Europe.”

City won their opening game 3-0 at Viktoria Plzen, but this encounter will provide a first real test for Pellegrini.

Ribery added: “They have not done as well as they’d have liked in Europe, with the quality of players they have, but I think they could go far this time.”

Meanwhile, Pellegrini will be up against old La Liga foe Pep Guardiola, the ex-Barca chief now at Bayern.

Pellegrini said: “I know Guardiola, I am sure he is worrying about the City team, like I worry about Bayern.

“I lived in Spain nine years, so I know exactly the way he plays.”