Manchester City fans have no-doubt come to take the label of Champions League favourites with a pinch of salt, given recent seasons, but according to one Champions League legend, Pep Guardiola is a big reason why they should be considered so.
City kick-off their 2022/23 Champions League campaign with a group stage opener against Sevilla on Tuesday night, and will hope to build on their recent progress in the competition come June.
After years of falling at the round of 16 and quarter-final stage Guardiola's side reached the final of the competition in 2021, but their performance failed to match the occasion in a 1-0 loss. Last season they looked set to reach the final once again, but a last-gasp comeback by Real Madrid saw them eliminated in the semi-finals.
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Despite their continuing struggle to win the competition, it is not surprising that City always seem to be favourites; with players like Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and now Erling Haaland among their ranks, how could they not be?
In the view of Alessandro Del Piero though, Guardiola gives them an edge few other teams boast — bar maybe Real Madrid. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Juventus striker identified City and Madrid as tournament favourites thanks to the talents of their respective coaches Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.
"Guardiola makes new things year by year, also during the season. While you try to imitate him, he is already a step ahead," said Del Piero.
The former Italy international also saw similarities between the two coaching icons.
"To a certain extent, it's the same as Guardiola," he said of Ancelotti. "He is always ahead of the others and makes his players feel at ease. He treats you as an adult, but at the same time, he is a sort of father.
"You must respect him and understand that he is always by your side. He is a nice person, which is not easy to find in this world."
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