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Ambitions of English football fans surfaced alongside a roadblock as three big names from the United Kingdom, including the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Hotspur were knocked out from the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, exposing the quality of English football to the world. However, with Manchester City and Liverpool still solid in the competition, fans remain confident of a revival of English football in the biggest club competition. Surprisingly, in an open draw for the Quarterfinals of the Champions League, both the clubs were drawn against each other.
While both English clubs were among solid contenders to make it to Kyiv for the final, one of them would be fortunate enough to showcase their talents in Ukraine on 26th of May. Klopp's side defeated Pep Guardiola's team back in January, ending the Spaniards dreams of an unbeaten league triumph. Nevertheless, Manchester City seem to be slight favourites to advance to the semifinals of the competition.
Let's take a look at 5 factors which back City's bid for a place in Kyiv.
1. Pep Guardiola
As two of the greatest man-managers of our generations face each other in yet another promising tie, Pep Guardiola certainly has an edge over Klopp as a coach. Arguably, the greatest manager ever and the man behind Barcelona's unmatched success during his tenure at the Camp Nou, Guardiola is well known for his high-octane and dynamic style of football. A strict follower of Cruyff's legacy, Guardiola's tactics are tried-and-tested as he has proved his worth in three different leagues.
Eyeing at a record Premier League triumph, the Catalunya-born manager moved to City following a successful tenure at Bayern. The brain behind City's revival as a footballing institution, Guardiola has improved the foundations of the club.
"This year, we're a real strong team, and we understand Pep Guardiola’s philosophy, have improved a lot and know what he wants from us." - Leroy Sane
A character on the sideline, Guardiola always expects the best from his players and is highly likely to play another tactical move against Liverpool that could leave Klopp's men guessing. A huge roster of talented and young players at his disposal only make it easier for the Spaniard to spring surprises at his opponents.
2. City's Form
Manchester City has only dropped points on four occasions this season in the Premier League, including one defeat to the Reds. Although, The Blues have lost just that one match in the Premier League this season. Scoring 85 goals in the Premier League already virtually seals off the English crown for Guardiola's men.
Manchester City's Form Guide: W D W W L W W W L W W
Liverpool's Form Guide: L L W D W W W W D L W
Out of the FA Cup and victors in the Carabao Cup, Guardiola's men virtually have nothing to compete for instead of the Champions League. They are expected to put their entire effort in the European Competition. Liverpool, on the other hand, is fighting for a top-four finish with Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. That said, City are indeed one of the favourites to lift the Coveted Trophy in Ukraine.
3. Squad Depth
One major thing Pep Guardiola did when he arrived at City was to break the bank and bring in quality players to extend his already extensive squad list. He not only purchased players from across the globe but also focused on youth development. The Girona project, which is largely owned by Guardiola and his brother, is also an example of his long-term ambitions with the English club. The Spanish side has been doing exceptionally well in their debut season in the Spanish league, and Guardiola has used Girona and his other sources to build a formidable City squad.
Liverpool, on the other hand, isn't spoiled with choices and are exceptionally troubled between the sticks and in the middle of the park. While a lack of squad depth among the Reds could not only cost them directly against the Blues but also adds to fatigue in the players as Kloop doesn't have many options for rotating the squad. The Defence is also a major drawback in the Liverpool side, as they tend to leak in goals often, especially from set-pieces and with a set-piece specialist like Kevin De Bruyne under City's belt, Liverpool is in for some problems in the sector.
4. Reinforced Defense
Allowing The Citizens to exploit the defences of others is a solid back-four of their own, that gives the front line confidence and support to press opponents further up the field and stopping potential counter-attacks. While the centre-backs maintain a high line of defence, the full-backs penetrate even further, disrupting the defensive shape of teams that like to sit back and pounce on the break.
Everton's humbling by the Blues was a clear testimony as to how Guardiola focused on improving his defensive line in the previous two transfer windows. Pep's teams are not usually known for their defensive strength but City's backline is one of the strongest in the league. Manchester boasts a strong defence comprising of Kyle Walker, Danilo, Laporte, John Stones, Otamendi and the skipper Vicente Kompany. Ederson, City's keeper is one of the best in the business and Claudio Bravo stands behind the Brazilian as a reliable backup. Liverpool, on the other hand, has a much weaker backline. Goalkeeping is another department where the Reds suffer a lot.
5. Momentum and the Winning Mentality
Manchester City are only one win away from lifting the English Premier League, and a boost of confidence away at Everton slots the Citizens high on confidence. Pep Guardiola in his post-match interview stated how crucial the next three games are for his team, and he would love the opportunity to lift the trophy at the Etihad against their local rivals, Manchester United. Playing first of their two games in the quarter-finals away from home, City has the advantage of home support in the return leg and another trophy between the two clashes could certainly uplift the mood in Manchester even further.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have virtually nothing to play for instead of the Champions League, a competition they are not favourites to win.
A mouth-watering tie spread over two matches is eagerly awaited by football fans around the club. Although Pep Guardiola regards Barcelona as the favourites for this year's Champions League, pundits regard City as strong contenders too. What do you think, can Manchester City win the Champions League for the first time in their history?
