The Champions League final is set up to be a fascinating encounter between two super-rich clubs – you can’t deny that they have the best squads around.
THE EUROPEAN drama is not over with the Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea coming up on Saturday night.
It’s set up to be a fascinating encounter between two super-rich clubs – you can’t deny that they have the best squads around.
Only this season, Chelsea spent a Premier League-record summer budget to bolster their squad with the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell and Edouard Mendy, while landing free agent Thiago Silva on a big contract.
And while some of those signings like Werner, Havertz and Ziyech haven’t yet set the game alight, their talent is undeniable. Just look at the way they have been utilised by Thomas Tuchel since he took over from Frank Lampard.
Werner, although he is still wasting big chances, is key to stretching defences with his pace and tireless running.
Ziyech and Havertz have been inconsistent, but they can conjure up something special at wil.
At City, Ruben Dias has transformed their defence and after a stuttering start Pep Guardiola has changed his style.
Gone is the high press. He lets his defenders defend and his attackers attack. City’s football has been simplified.
And now they are finally in the final after four years of quarter-final disappointment.
I would give City the title, but Chelsea have been the only side to trouble them in England over the course of 2021.
Then again, Pep sent out a team that didn’t look like a first XI in each of those two defeats.
Either way, let’s hope this final doesn’t get played for penalties.
