Pep Guardiola has pleaded with Manchester City fans as he tries to entice more supporters to come to City's Champions League fixtures.
Only 30,270 attended the Etihad on Thursday morning (AEST) to see City put four past Borussia Monchengladbach on the opening matchday of the 2016/17 competition.
City fans have had a problem with the Champions League since 2012 and continually boo the competition's anthem, although Guardiola has asked for fans to stop and to start turning up to games and supporting their club.
"Our fans, they have to know we play for them," said Guardiola.
"It is our job, we are here but without fans there is no reason why we are here. Our fans have to know we need them in the Champion League. In the Premier League everyone comes here but in the Champions League they don't.
"We need them to compete against the best teams in the world. With our supporters and their songs, we are stronger.
'I think these players have done from the beginning, our players deserve the stadium completely full. Hopefully against Barcelona and Celtic it will happen and if you are able to go to the next stage. I think today it is a good moment to enjoy our football with the fans.'
City fans will be given a chance to see some of the best players in the world in November when Barcelona come to town.
Guardiola is hopeful that some big name players will be able to draw out a much larger crowd as the manager will likely continue to ask for Champions League support until crowds start to grow.
"Today the stadium is not completely full so the only thing we can do is play good so the people at home say wow next time I will be there. We have to be so proud to play in this competition. In the next three or four weeks, the best football player ever (Lionel Messi) is coming," Guardiola said.
"There is Luis Suarez and Neymar and Barcelona and we have to enjoy it. The people are listening so I am sure they are going to do that.
"The next step with this club is to be there every single season, quarter final, semi-final and maybe in the final. It is not the point to arrive once and after disappear."
