Time has come for Manchester City to seize the moment and take their place at the top of European football.
The Champions League journey that began for City in season 2011/12 and has featured heartbreak for Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final loss against Chelsea, last season’s semi-final heartbreaking collapse to Real Madrid, the famous quarter-final loss against Spurs away in a season where Manchester City secured the domestic treble.
It now feels that all of those moments have led to this Saturday’s final in Istanbul against Inter Milan.
This team feels more complete and ready to seize the moment that awaits them on Saturday night against Inter. Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup has been settled in the quarter-final win against Bayern Munich, and again in the famous semi-final demolishing of Real Madrid.
For this Saturday’s final it doesn’t feel that we will see Pep Guardiola tinker with the line-up and team set-up like in the 2021 final loss to Chelsea. The starting 11 that conquered the massive hurdles in Bayern and Real Madrid, and started the FA Cup win over Manchester United last Saturday should start against Inter.
The starting lineup gives Guardiola the control of the game his tactics require. The settled 11 has bought the best out of John Stones in his hybrid centre-back/central midfield role. The security in midfield with the Rodri/Stones central pivot has allowed Kevin De Bruyne to be at his creative best. It’s also allowed Jack Grealish to have the best spell of his City career and flourish out wide on the left since the World Cup.
Manchester City have the quality of players required to win the Champions League
Bernardo Silva has thrived in big moments on the right wing in this settled best 11. This fact is highlighted by Bernado’s double against Real Madrid in the home leg of the Champions League semi-final.
It has also allowed Erling Haaland to plunder 52 goals in 52 starts this season, smashing nearly every goal-scoring record in England along the way. The absurd mid-season talk of Erling Haaland “picking the wrong team” has been put to bed. Manchester City has thrived with the lethal Norwegian powerhouse up front in the lineup since the Double securing run began in January.
At the back City has been settled with Ederson in goal protected by Ruben Dias, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Manuel Akanji in front of City’s Brazilian shot-stopper. Ruben Dias’s return to form and getting over his niggling injuries has given City the leadership required at the back. Dias is the leader of City’s defence and a lynchpin in Pep’s lineup.
Kyle Walker has returned to his best form since returning to the starting 11. Walker was absolutely outstanding against Vinicius Junior in the semi-final win over Real Madrid. Walker gives the City defence the experience required to seize the moment at this level. His pace hasn’t wavered despite his age and is another invaluable tool for Pep Guardiola.
Manuel Akanji has thrived since slotting in on the left of City’s defensive set-up. Akanji took his place after an unfortunate injury to the ever-reliable Nathan Ake. Akanji has been one of the signings of the season, especially for his reported £15 million price tag. Akanji was outstanding in the wins over Bayern and Real and if he holds his place for the final it will be a deserved start for the Swiss defender.
The time has come for Manchester City to seize the moment and claim a maiden Champions League crown. The lineup is settled and has thrived this season. Inter Milan will be a formidable opponent, but this is the best Manchester City lineup in our history in this competition.
Here’s hoping City fans everywhere are celebrating at the final whistle of what promises to be a cracking final in Istanbul.
