Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has backed Manchester City to win the UEFA Champions League this season.
The Cityzens have won four of the last five Premier League titles but have failed to translate their domestic dominance into continental success. Their second place in the 2020-21 Champions League is the furthest they have come in continental competition.
Zola, who won six trophies with Chelsea during his seven-year spell in west London, was asked to name his Champions League favorites this season. He replied (h/t AS):
“I see Manchester City, but I hope Guardiola doesn’t read this because I say the same thing every year… and it will look like I’m jinxed.” (laughs) . Bayern Munich also has a great opportunity.”
Manchester City take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final this week. They play the first leg at the Etihad on Tuesday (April 11) before traveling to the Allianz Arena eight days later for the second leg.
Bayern are six-time winners of the competition and last won the title in the 2019-20 season, beating Paris Saint-Germain to win their second continental treble. It is worth mentioning that Zola bypassed his former club by giving him the choice to win the Champions League this year.
The Blues face Real Madrid in the first leg of the quarter-final on April 12 before hosting the second leg six days later. Chelsea will be led by interim boss Frank Lampard until the board finds a permanent manager.
Frank Lampard sends a message to Chelsea fans ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie
Frank Lampard has told Chelsea fans not to attend their quarter-final clash against Real Madrid if they are worried about the team’s chances.
Chelsea know it won’t be easy against the defending champions, who staged an incredible comeback against them to win 5-4 on aggregate in the quarter-final last season. Los Merengues have won the competition a record 14 times and reached 17 finals.
Meanwhile, the Blues are at a point of concern as they languish in 11th place in the Premier League with 39 points from 30 games. Lampard, however, is confident in his team’s chances in Europe. The acting boss told the Daily Mail (h/t GOAL):
“We have an opportunity against a fantastic team, and we have to try to make the most of the opportunity. Go there with confidence, with faith, because if not, as I said, if you’re worried, don’t come. “
Lampard got off to the worst possible start to his second managerial reign at Stamford Bridge as his side lost 1-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league on Saturday (April 8).