Rio Ferdinand does not think Manchester City can be considered as a contender to win the Champions League this season.
City were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the European competition during the 2019/20 campaign by French club Lyon and will be looking to kick on this time around.
Pep Guardiola has won the Champions League twice as a manager - both with Barcelona in 2008/09 and then 2010/11.
The Spaniard will be desperate to win it once again with City - who are still without the most prestigious European trophy.
Last season saw City knocked out in the quarter-finals by Lyon, and the furthest they have ever gone in the competition was the semi-finals, when they were beaten by Real Madrid in the 2015/16 season.
According to Manchester United legend Ferdinand, European success won't be happening anytime soon at the Etihad Stadium.
The former United centre-back said on BT Sport: “If I’m honest, I’d have to say no (to City surpassing last season).
"In previous seasons, I’d have been more confident in this team, but I don’t think they’ve had the consistency of other teams like Liverpool in the Premier League, who I believe in any given day would beat Man City. I think they’ve got work to do.
"For instance, the centre-back partnership - he’s seemed to find a pairing that he likes, but it’s about time and getting that communication and understanding going.
"But that’s a fundamental area and if they’re going to be successful, they’ve got to make sure they stiffen that area up. In recent years, they’ve fallen apart in that area in the latter stages of the tournament.”
City have already progressed as group winners from Group C - with their Round of 16 opponents to be decided next week.
