Guardiola Surprised: Is Man City Not a Champions League Favorite? Analysis and Reactions

Guardiola: Manchester City, is it the “underdog” in the Champions League?

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hinted that his team might be flying under the radar as one of the Champions League title contenders this season, suggesting that they “apparently” aren’t the favorites. The City will begin its European campaign against Napoli at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday. According to the bookmakers, Guardiola’s team is behind Liverpool, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Real Madrid in the betting to lift the trophy.

“Apparently we are not [one of the favorites],” Guardiola said in a press conference.

Pep Guardiola

Guardiola, however, has suggested that the team should be considered a dangerous rival, having won the competition in 2023. Guardiola’s team faces Napoli, which has Kevin De Bruyne, Scott McTominay, and Rasmus Højlund in its ranks, after the 3-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.

Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made his derby debut, is expected to keep his place in goal. The Italian goalkeeper knows well the threat posed by the current Serie A champion and admits that it will be an emotional night to face the club where he began his youth career before moving to AC Milan.

“I am very connected to Napoli, many friends and my family are there,” he said.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Donnarumma arrived at the Etihad after being deemed surplus to requirements by PSG during the summer. The 26-year-old player helped the French team lift the Champions League last summer, but after playing in the Club World Cup he was replaced in goal by new signing Lucas Chevalier.

“I don’t really like talking about the past, some people make their own decisions, their own choices, it’s part of the game,” said Donnarumma.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Guardiola also commented on Kevin De Bruyne, who joined Napoli in the summer after a decade at the Etihad. Guardiola said he is not surprised that De Bruyne seems to have adapted quickly to Napoli. De Bruyne, who won six Premier League titles and the Champions League with City, has scored two goals in his first three Serie A matches for Napoli. When asked what makes him so successful, Guardiola said: “His incredible talent, vision, passes, goals in the last third. He is unique.”