"I like the ball, I love the ball," Guardiola once said. "To score a goal you need the ball. So as much as you have it and your percentage is higher, you have more chances to score a goal. I want to see my team try to play offensively, that is principle number one." And that is exactly what City have shown in recent seasons. With the likes of Laporte, De Bruyne, Ederson and Aguero emulating Pep's words practically, they look like one of the teams predestined for Champions League glory!
In this post, I'll be analysing their recent games and study their chances of winning the Champions League this season.
Now let's take a look at their Offensive and Defensive moments which will define their Champions League journey.
Offensive:
Manchester City like to maintain possession diagonally in the opponents half. While the opponent is adjusting to the movement of the ball going side-to-side, Pep likes to use the space created between lines while the opponent is shifting. If the opponent is still compact and doesn't budge, they are patient enough to keep rotating the ball for the right moment to arrive. Once the ball is in these half-spaces, a swift through ball to the attackers catches the opponent out of shape and allows an opportunity on goal.
Defensive:
Defensively, a problem that Pep has faced before and failed to overcome, is man-to-man defensive marking while building up. But very rarely, one can see it being executed to perfection, like here how Arsenal have shown. When this situation arises, there's no other option other than to play long. If there's anything that Real Madrid should impersonate from Arteta's Gunners, it's this!
Let's see what Azhar Damanwala, Chairman - Manchester City Supporters Club Mumbai, has to say about City's prospects in the Champions League
I hope you enjoyed my analysis and I'm eagerly looking forward to your invaluable feedback, suggestions and ideas. Do like, share and follow the page to show your love!
Football - Analysed!
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