“They have lost one of their top men” - Kevin Nolan discusses if Manchester City can win the UEFA Champions League following Rodri injury blow
Pundit Kevin Nolan has opened up on Manchester City's chances of winning the UEFA Champions League following Rodri's season-ending injury. The former Premier League midfielder has claimed that the Cityzens are no longer the favorites to win every competition.
Under Pep Guardiola, Manchester City have been a dominant force in both England and Europe over the years. They are considered among the favorites for the Champions League every season but Nolan has played down their chances this season.
Pep Guardiola's side suffered a major blow with their star midfielder Rodri sustaining an ACL injury. The Spaniard, regarded as the best number six in the world, limped out of their 2-2 draw against Arsenal and will now miss the rest of the season.
Nolan has claimed that Manchester City could find it difficult in the Champions League without such a pivotal player. The former West Ham United midfielder said on BBC 5 Live Sport:
“I think this will galvanize the squad a bit because they have lost one of their top, top men. I think Rodri will be in and around them once he has had his operation. Do I see them winning the Champions League and everything else now? No.”
Nolan, however, suggested that Pep Guardiola will be desperate to win his fifth consecutive Premier League title in what could be his final season at the Etihad. He said:
“But does Pep want to go and get the fifth Premier League title? I think he does. I think he will want to bow out, if this is going to be his last year, I think he will want to bow out in a fantastic style, having five Premier Leagues on the spin."
Nolan added:
“I genuinely feel that this has motivated him more, something like this, backs against the wall.”
Rodri has been exceptional for Manchester City since joining the Cityzens in 2019 from Atletico Madrid. He has 260 appearances for the Cityzens so far, winning 11 trophies in the process.
Manchester City and Manchester United could go head-to-head for Bundesliga star
Manchester United and Manchester City are both reportedly keen on signing Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong's signature. As reported by Football Insider, both Manchester clubs and Liverpool are huge admirers of the attacking full-back.
Frimpong emerged as a coveted player with his exploits for Bayer Leverkusen last season as Xabi Alonso's side created history. They won both the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal staying unbeaten domestically and suffered their only defeat of the campaign against Atalanta in the Europa League final.
The Manchester United and Liverpool target impressed with his exceptional attacking numbers last season. The Dutchman scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists in 47 appearances across competitions.
Frimpong came through Manchester City's youth system but failed to break into their senior setup. He joined Celtic in 2019 and thereafter joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 and has been impressive for both sides.