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The former England head coach has already been back to Blighty this season to face Arsenal in a Champions League qualifier and now it's City who pose the opposition for McClaren’s men.
Speaking to the media ahead of tonight’s game, he said: “It’s good to be given a second chance to come back.
“We got through to the group stage, which was a big achievement for this club, so I’m delighted to be here and back in Manchester.
“We’ve already played Arsenal twice, Rennes twice and Santander and the players, individually and the team, improve after these games.
“It’s okay playing football in your own country, but when you experience European football, it’s different and you learn quicker.”
And turning to Manchester City, the former Middlesbrough boss was quick to pay compliment to the Blues.
“They’re as strong as anybody and as physical as anybody in the Premier League,” he said. “Yes they have good players, flair players and creative players, but also a strong backbone with Dunne, Richards and Ben-Haim.
“Kompany’s strong too, who sits in front of the defence and they are strong team, physical and powerful too, but also creative.”
And despite some disappointing away results of late, McClaren believes Mark Hughes has got what it takes within his squad to find the consistency required to challenge on many fronts.
“I think it takes time to develop a team and structure it. It’s very difficult to get the blend and balance and hopefully Mark Hughes will hopefully be given that time.
“He’s got very, very good players and a good team. I think consistency is something that we’re all searching for including Manchester City, but that will come with the players they’ve got.
“All I’m concerned about is the game and I know City’s home record is very good and we’ll have to play very well to get a result.
“I’ve watched them closely in recent weeks since the draw and they don’t seem to be getting results away from home at the present time.
“The home form is very good and with the players they’ve got they’re capable of winning games and scoring goals. So it’s going to be a difficult game for us here.”
But when asked who Twente might fear tonight, McClaren declared: “There’s no fear at all. We don’t fear anybody and the players shouldn’t fear anybody.
“They should look forward to playing against the likes of Robinho. He’s the star that has come and expectations are great.
“It’ll be an experience for our players to play against him, but we’re not looking at any individuals of Manchester City, we’re looking at the team and making sure we prepare right.
“If we do that we have nothing to lose coming here. I think all the pressure is on Manchester City – it’s their first game in the group and as we know beating Santander – it’s important to get three points in your first home game. All the pressure is on them.
“They’re at home and I’ve seen them here. They score goals, attack, have got creative players, a strong defence, a good crowd behind them, a nice pitch and I think all the advantages are there.
“We are the underdogs and we should take belief and confidence into the game.”
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