Graeme Souness has backed Manchester City to win the Champions League, believing that the addition of Erling Haaland's goals to Pep Guardiola's squad will make them an unstoppable force in Europe's elite competition.
The Citizens topped Group G with four wins and two draws from their six matches, and they have drawn RB Leipzig in the last-16 during Monday's draw.
Souness, 69, told talkSPORT that he thinks Guardiola's side have what it takes to go all the way in this season's tournament, and he cannot see past them.
Souness said: 'I think it's City's year. I think Haaland obviously will get them more goals, whatever competition they're playing in. Will he be the difference? Possibly. I think even without Haaland, I think City will be coming pretty close again this time around.'
He said that he did not feel they would be held back, despite not winning the trophy before, and coming closest when they were the losing finalists in 2021 against fellow Premier League side Chelsea.
'I don't see them being psychologically damaged because they've not won it so far. Getting across the line the first time is like winning the league the first time', the former Liverpool hero said.
He also opened up about his experience with the Reds in the European Cup back in the late 1970s, coming to the club just after their first win in the competition.
Souness revealed: 'When I went to Liverpool, they'd just done it that year before. The belief in the dressing room was enormous.'
He revealed that Liverpool were not daunted by facing Borussia Monchengladbach in the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1978, having beaten them in the final the previous year.
'It never entered their heads they weren't going to turn them over again. Once that belief is installed, it's quite a force to carry with you,' Souness added.
Manchester City's next task is Chelsea in the League Cup on Wednesday night, before a league trip to Brentford on Saturday in their final commitment before the World Cup.
badklpsu
0
musty 26
Cetdnoptu
0
I'm a city fan but I'll take this prediction with a pinch of salt, guardiola has a knack for utter stupidity when it comes to the latter stages of the champions league, so till it's actually coming home I don't believe it's coming home
It usually when the task get tough you always have a mixed up mind
KahunaLII
0
If only they can avoid Bayern,Real Madrid and PSG until the finals they will be in with a shout because their frailties have been exposed by Dortmund.
tampumi
0
I'm a city fan but I'll take this prediction with a pinch of salt, guardiola has a knack for utter stupidity when it comes to the latter stages of the champions league, so till it's actually coming home I don't believe it's coming home
I agree
TiyanjaneChalamwendo
1
this is how complicated UCL can be
zebaelmy
1
You are wrong...Bayern Munich will be the top contender. Watch again how they play, it is much better than MC and I am no fan of them both. Just paying attention and analysing the games.
kaacikpt
0
Haaland healthy and uninjured - city has a great shot Haaland injured- city has no chance at all
ExcelIbMo
0
Warning: just don't allow Bayern Munich go past PSG, else, they cross paths, City will be eliminated to everyone's disbelief
ExcelIbMo
1
It has always been Man City's year for the past six years. They will get stucked again when it mattered most. Local champions per excellence.
INNOCENTRAPIST
0
Unless Pep stops overthinking
INNOCENTRAPIST
0
I'm a city fan but I'll take this prediction with a pinch of salt, guardiola has a knack for utter stupidity when it comes to the latter stages of the champions league, so till it's actually coming home I don't believe it's coming home
True,he tends to overthink at times and end up with strange selection
Dopabcklpy
0
I'm a city fan but I'll take this prediction with a pinch of salt, guardiola has a knack for utter stupidity when it comes to the latter stages of the champions league, so till it's actually coming home I don't believe it's coming home
helkath
5
It's up to Pep to decide when to stop gambling. If not, he will still lose another final to a weaker team. He might chose to play Haaland on the left back and KDB on goal on that day. ๐
nidclmstyz
1
musty26
nidclmstyz
1
musty 26
Debruyne12
4
It's been our year for the last 5 years. Seems like all the praise always comes with some bad luck accompanied with it. Just don't say it ,then maybe we will finally win it.
Tabule_com
2
Ask them how's Liverpool ๐๐๐
caucdenrs
2
it's always city's year but they always fall short and again next year it's again their year