Pep Guardiola has admitted that Manchester City are not viewed as among the favourites to win this season’s UEFA Champions League as they prepare for their opening clash against Napoli.
City have enjoyed consistent runs in Europe in recent years and famously lifted the trophy for the first time in 2023. However, last season ended in disappointment after they were eliminated early by Real Madrid in a decisive two-legged playoff. This time, bookmakers rank Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, and defending champions Paris Saint-Germain as stronger contenders for the title.
When asked about his side’s chances, Guardiola said that “apparently, we are not” considered favourites. He added that City must simply enjoy the journey and focus on each match, with the goal of starting the competition strongly.
Last season ended without silverware for City, marking the first time in eight years they finished empty-handed. Their new campaign also started shakily, with two defeats in the opening three league fixtures, though they bounced back with an emphatic 3-0 win over rivals Manchester United.
Guardiola has overseen significant squad changes over the past two transfer windows. Several long-serving players have departed, including Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and Ederson. Thursday’s match against Napoli will see an emotional subplot as De Bruyne returns to the Etihad for the first time since his summer move to the Italian champions. The Belgian midfielder spent a decade in Manchester, becoming one of the club’s most decorated players. Guardiola praised his former star’s talent and vision, noting that elite players adapt quickly to new challenges.
City’s preparations also include a new face in goal. Gianluigi Donnarumma, who won the Champions League with PSG earlier this year, joined City in a £26 million deadline-day transfer. He replaces Ederson as first-choice goalkeeper and expressed that joining the English champions was his only desire. The Italian stopper described City as his top choice, underlining his determination to succeed at the Etihad.
As City kick off their European campaign against Napoli, Guardiola insists his side are focused on performance rather than labels of being favourites. The pressure may not be on them as heavily as in previous years, but City remain intent on proving their strength on the continental stage.
