Guernsey Press

Q&A: Is this the year Manchester City will win Champions League for first time?

Pep Guardiola’s side reached the 2021 final and the semi-finals last year.

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Manchester City are through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for a sixth successive season.

Here, the PA news agency looks at whether this could be the year they finally win the competition for the first time.

Will the goals of Erling Haaland make the difference?

Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland scored five goals against Leipzig on Tuesday (Nick Potts/PA)

Why is that?

While Haaland is clearly doing what he was brought to the club to do, his presence has required an adjustment to the team that has not yet fully bedded in. In previous seasons City have operated with a ‘false nine’ or had their centre-forwards moving into other attacking positions. Asking Haaland to do this too much would negate his considerable strengths. City have therefore moderated their structure and, with players still getting used to this, it has looked clunky at times. With City not finding their usual levels of consistency this term, this has been highlighted whenever they have suffered a frustrating result.

Are other factors affecting them?

Nathan Ake
Nathan Ake has played at both centre-back and left-back this season (Adam Davy/PA)

Why did Pep Guardiola recently call for more from Kevin De Bruyne?

Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne has not delivered with his usual consistency this season (Martin Rickett/PA)

What else do City have in their favour?

Guardiola had a fully fit squad heading into Tuesday’s game, which is a fine position to be in at this stage of the season. Phil Foden has also returned to form after a difficult spell, allowing Riyad Mahrez – an impressive performer through the winter months – something of a rest. City will hope they can return after the upcoming international break ready to hit the ground running. They do not yet know their opponents for the last eight but, after Tuesday’s win and with their experience of going deep in the competition, there is no reason not to feel confident. Other clubs will certainly hope to avoid them in the draw.

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