Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has picked Manchester City as favorites to repeat their Champions League success after their first ever triumph last year.
Speaking ahead of the Champions League opener against Union Berlin, Ancelotti gave an update on injuries to Dani Carvajal and Arda Guler, amid fears the former could miss the Real Madrid derby on Sunday.
Los Blancos were easily beaten by Manchester City in the semi-final second leg last season, and Ancelotti still believes they are the strongest team in Europe.
“Manchester City are favorites because they have a team that allowed them to win last year and they haven’t changed much. But the Champions League, as always, in the final stages, there are surprises”, Ancelotti initially said at the conference.
“I see Real Madrid as a team that will compete until the end. We never think we’re favourites, and I don’t think City do. They won last year and that’s why I said they are the favorites”, concluded the Italian.
With Erling Haaland leading the team and many other stars in the squad, City are undoubtedly the team to beat this season in the Champions League.
If City triumph, they would become only the second team in history to win back-to-back Champions League titles, behind Real Madrid.
Los Blancos will feel they have a chance against anyone, but without their classy number nine, they could have a few more problems than usual.