A former Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta believes Pep Guardiola’s team would win the Champions League because of their summer arrivals.
The Sky Blues have strengthened their attack area by signing two strikers Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund for little under £70million and Julian Alvarez this summer. City also bought Kalvin Phillips, a midfielder from Leeds United this summer.
Following the sales of Raheem Sterling, and Gabriel Jesus, to Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, respectively, the squad has been strengthened by these additions. Note that the club’s former captain Fernandinho left the club this summer.
A lot of expectation surrounds Haaland and Phillips’ arrival at the Etihad considering their impressive recent performances.
Zabaleta, who made 333 appearances for City between 2008 and 2017, thinks the pair might be the missing pieces needed for Guardiola’s team to win their first Champions League.
During an interview with some Sky Sports journalist, Pablo Zabaleta was asked about Erling Haaland and what he thinks the new signing will add. The former Argentinian player said: “He is a big lad. I saw him and he was ‘wow’, but he was one of the main players and he was in the market, a lot of top teams were looking to sign him and we are all very pleased to have him at the club.
“I think he’s already got that connection with Man City because his dad [Alf-Inge] played for the club before. For me, I would say he is probably the best player in the world.”
🗣 “He’s a big lad, I saw him and he was like wow.”
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) July 19, 2022
Pablo Zabaleta on Manchester City bringing in Erling Haaland to the club pic.twitter.com/VnuVB2crEe
Pablo Zabaleta added that many players come to City and feel like a family in the club. He acknowledged the fact that Erling Haaland and Kalvin Philips are great signings for the club and urged Kalvin Philips to replace Fernandinho.
According to Pablo Zabaleta, Philips has already shown his qualities at Leeds United and the club can help him to become better. He went further to admonish the club to win the UEFA Champions League next season.
Manchester City has dominated English football in the last five seasons, winning the Premier League four times, along with four Carabao Cups and one FA Cup.
Although they have enjoyed success at home, they have yet to claim the Champions League. The closest City has been to do it was during the 2020–21 season when they advanced to the Porto final before falling to Chelsea 1-0.
Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko is on the verge of joining the Brazilian in moving to North London, and the deal might cost up to £32 million with add-ons. This is coming after their Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus joined Arsenal this summer.
The Sky Blues are yet to play a pre-season game but will face Mexican side Club America on Thursday morning in Houston.
