City's Champions League contention seemingly doubted by Guardiola
Manchester City, who finished last season without a trophy for the first time in eight years, are eager to make their mark in this year's Champions League. Under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola, the club has undergone significant changes over the past two transfer windows. Several long-serving players, including Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and Ederson, have exited the club. Guardiola has rebuilt his squad, with the new goalkeeper for Manchester City being James Trafford, who made his debut recently and kept a clean sheet against Wolves. While City considered signing Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain, they found his price too high and opted for the more affordable 23-year-old Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp as an alternative. Donnarumma, who won the Champions League with PSG in May, completed a £26-million ($36 million) deadline-day switch to City from his previous club. He has replaced Ederson as City's first-choice goalkeeper and expressed his personal desire to join City, making it his first and only option. Donnarumma spoke to reporters on the eve of the match against Napoli, De Bruyne's emotionally charged return to the Etihad Stadium. Bookmakers consider Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, and defending champions Paris Saint-Germain as more likely winners of this season's Champions League. However, Guardiola believes that City should enjoy the moment and focus on the journey in the competition. He expressed that De Bruyne's quick settlement in Italy is not surprising due to his talent and vision. City started the Premier League season slowly, with two defeats in their first three games, but bounced back to crush Manchester United 3-0. The new signing, Donnarumma, has stated that City was his top choice. Guardiola was asked about City's chances in the Champions League and stated that they are not considered contenders. Thursday's game against Napoli will be De Bruyne's first return to the Etihad after joining Napoli in June, following a 10-year trophy-laden stint in Manchester. Guardiola expressed his anticipation to see De Bruyne after the game. Despite the challenges ahead, City is determined to make their mark in this year's Champions League.
