World Cup winner tips Manchester City to retain UEFA Champions League

Manchester City and Pep Guardiola have been tipped to retain the UEFA Champions League this season by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.

The 45-year-old, who remains manager of the Argentina national team after guiding them to FIFA World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, enjoyed silverware success during his player career as well as his current managerial roles.

Scaloni played for a number of clubs predominately across Italy and Spain, although the defender did play for West Ham United in the Premier League in 2006.

Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez was part of Scaloni’s World Cup winning squad in the Middle East, with the 24-year-old becoming one of a select few players to win both the World Cup and UEFA Champions League during the same season.

Alvarez, who has also recently won the Premier League, Emirates FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup with the Sky Blues, was handed his Argentina debut by Scaloni.

The former player is also keeping a close eye on the developments of Alvarez at the Etihad Stadium, with the striker having been directly involved in 25 goals so far this season for Manchester City.

Scaloni also believes that Alvarez could be set to win the Champions League again this season, after tipping Manchester City to retain their European crown during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Who will win the Champions League? Manchester City is above the other teams, they are the favourites. Then there’s Real Madrid who are one of the favourites as always,” revealed the Argentina boss.

Manchester City won their maiden Champions League title with a 1-0 win over Inter Milan in Istanbul last June, as Rodri’s second-half strike secured an historic victory for the club.

Guardiola’s side remain unbeaten in the competition this season and took a major step towards the quarter-final stages with a 3-1 first-leg win over FC Copenhagen at the Parken Stadium earlier this month.