Manchester City are gearing up for their Champions League clash with Inter Milan, a match that kicks off their journey in an expanded and more demanding format. This revamped structure promises a tougher road for the 2023 champions, with players and coaches alike expressing concerns about the intensified schedule.
City Faces New Challenges
Manchester City, fresh off their dramatic 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the 2023 Champions League final, will now contend with an expanded tournament format. The new system features 36 teams in a single league, with each team playing eight fixtures instead of the traditional six-group stage matches. This change adds more pressure to an already packed season.
City’s defender, Manuel Akanji, has voiced his concerns about the new format. He feels that the increased number of games will significantly strain players.
“It’s getting more complicated with the league,” Akanji said. “You play different teams, and then Inter don’t have the same opponents as us. It’s just got bigger, more games.”
Akanji also highlighted the additional challenge of competing in the Club World Cup in the United States at the end of the season. He worries about the lack of breaks and the impact on players’ well-being.
“There’s no end to it. I don’t know how it works out. Maybe I’ll retire at 30!” he added, reflecting the pressures faced by modern footballers.
Reconnecting with Inter Milan
Despite his reservations about the new format, Akanji is excited about facing Inter Milan once more. Their last encounter was a significant one, as City secured their first Champions League title with a narrow victory. The match was a milestone for City, overcoming previous disappointments in the competition.
“I’m looking forward to it, even with the new format,” Akanji said. “I think the old one was better, but we go up against the best teams still and we start with a great game against Inter. The last time we played them was in the final, so good memories for us.”
The Road Ahead for City
City’s Champions League campaign last season ended in disappointment when Real Madrid defeated them in a quarter-final penalty shoot-out. However, the memories of their triumph over Inter Milan still provide a sense of achievement and motivation.
As City navigates this season’s challenges, they are also dealing with off-field issues. An independent commission is investigating 115 Premier League charges against City related to alleged financial breaches. While City firmly denies any wrongdoing, the potential consequences could be severe, including points deductions or even expulsion from the league.
In the meantime, City’s Premier League campaign remains strong. They continued their perfect start with a 2-1 win against Brentford on Saturday. Rodri, a key player, made his first appearance of the season after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during Euro 2024. John Stones and Kyle Walker also returned to action, providing a boost to the squad.
“Rodri came on there and played really good,” Guardiola noted. “He is so important for us. Kyle the first minutes, John the first minutes. It’s really good to have that.”
Conclusion
Manchester City’s Champions League journey this season is set to be a demanding one, with the new format adding extra pressure. As they prepare to face Inter Milan, both the players and coaching staff are aware of the challenges ahead. The team’s ability to adapt to this grueling schedule will be crucial in their quest for European glory and domestic success. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
