June 9 – Manchester City have won it all under manager Pep Guardiola. But the Champions League is the one thing eluding them, and the Spaniard, during his stay in the Etihad. They’ve gone close but never managed to secure the trophy. However, many are now suggesting they’re finally ready to take the next step, and you can see why this could be the case.
In the past, Man City and their fans have been edging closer and closer to Champions League success. But even though expectations may be high, there is still an element of doubt. However, the odds are beginning to reflect City’s chances of finally getting the coveted trophy. Just taking into account that Inter Milan, while being a solid outfit, are weaker on paper than some of the teams they’ve come up against in the past, which makes City heavy favourites to win the tie.
Therefore the general feeling among bookmakers, according to PartySports, a new sportbook to be launched, is that Manchester City and Pep Guardiola have a very good chance this year. PartySports is a sportsbetting service is part of the Entain Group, a leading company in the Gambling industry, with world renowned casino Party Casino being an example of their dominance in the sector.
City’s perceived failures in the past and what’s ultimately cost them, and the changes, improvements and corrections made, can and should make the difference. Their disappointment in last season’s competition was largely attributed to the lack of an out-and-out striker in the squad who could take chances when required. City were playing a false nine system, and while it brought a fair level of success, they came undone against Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
This time round, Guardiola can call upon Erling Haaland, who has proven himself to be one of the most prolific goal-getters on the planet. And, if Haaland isn’t on hand to score the goals, World Cup winner Julian Alvarez can also do what’s required. Being clinical in front of goal is a thing of the past, with City having the ability to blow Inter away at will when everything clicks.
Guardiola has also shown, especially this season, that he has the ability and the will to mix things up tactically when required. His team has played with a back three and a back four; they have utilised moving a full-back into central midfield and more. There’s no better side in world football right now that can adapt on the fly and still be as effective. If one game plan isn’t working, they will move to another, finding different ways to win.
Players have continued to improve under Guardiola’s guidance, becoming more effective. For example, Jack Grealish has come to the fore and become the Spaniard’s most influential player for the wide left berth. The likes of Ruben Dias and Rodri continue to get better and better, while new arrivals such as Manuel Akanji have really hit the ground running. It’s a team and a squad loaded with ability and a desire to achieve and get better, which will only help create more success.
Every season starts with Man City as favourites to win everything, and rightly so, based on the campaign prior, where they’d won most things. They’re always the team to beat in Europe, too, as it’s always deemed a case of when and not if City lift the Champions League trophy under Guardiola. But instead of when, the time is very much now, as they’re finally ready.
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