Pep Guardiola dealt Gary Neville a blow by suggesting the former England right-back wouldn't be able to play at right-back in his title-winning side.
The full-back position has taken on a different meaning under Guardiola this season. Both John Stones and Rico Lewis have regularly stepped into midfield from a wide starting position, giving the champions an added dimension to their game.
Neville was a more orthodox defender during his successful years with Manchester United, while his fellow pundit Micah Richards also had an up-and-down remit when he won the title with City in 2012. Richards asked Guardiola whether either man could slot into the 2022-23 side, who lifted the Premier League trophy after their victory over Chelsea on Sunday, and the response wasn't a positive one.
"You've got the full-back going into midfield," Richards began during Sky Sports' post-match coverage. He proceeded to ask Guardiola "Who would you rather pick, me or Gary Neville, to do that midfield role."
If the former City star was hoping to get the nod, he was disappointed. "To play inside? No," Guardiola said when asked if Richards had the required level.
"You have to run up and down [the flank]" he continued. When asked about Neville, the manager paused before saying "I don't think so either" and breaking into a laugh.
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It was Lewis who started against Chelsea on Sunday. Guardiola made nine changes from the side which beat Real Madrid in midweek. One of the new additions, Julian Alvarez, scored the only goal of the game and had a second chalked off following a VAR check.
City knew before kick-off they would retain their league title. Closest challengers Arsenal lost to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, ensuring they would not be able to deny the reigning champions a third successive title.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet," teenager Lewis, who only made his senior debut in August, told BBC Radio 5 Live. "It's unbelievable that I'm on the pitch with these top quality players. I've dreamt of it since being a kid and now it has come true.
"It's so easy for me to learn from them. I'm playing with world class players and the best manager in the world. I just have to listen and learn. It's amazing to be next to them every day.
"The message for next season will be that we have to go again and I'm happy to follow that. It's never really enough. I want more. You don't know how this season will finish but we want to make history."
City can add the second leg of their treble on June 3 when they take on Manchester United in the FA Cup final. One week later, Inter are the opponents in the Champions League final in Istanbul.
