WhatsNew2Day – Latest News And Breaking Headlines
Rio Ferdinand believes it will be a huge task for Manchester City to retain the treble following Kevin De Bruyne’s injury and the departures of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez.
Rio Ferdinand thinks Manchester City will struggle to keep the treble
Kevin De Bruyne injured as Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez left
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
Rio Ferdinand believes it will be “a huge demand” for Manchester City to retain the treble.
City achieved the incredible feat of winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup last season, becoming the second English side to do so after success at Manchester United in 1999.
However, City are having problems at the start of the new campaign. Ilkay Gundogan, who managed City until their hat-trick, has joined Barcelona, while Riyad Mahrez has signed for Al-Ahli.
To add to the struggles faced by Pep Guardiola, midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has been ruled out for up to three to four months with a hamstring problem.
Ferdinand believes the absence of Gundogan, Mahrez and De Bruyne will prove problematic for City.
Kevin De Bruyne’s injury will make it difficult for Man City to retain the treble, says Rio Ferdinand
Ferdinand thinks City are now a weaker side compared to last season
City manager Pep Guardiola faces a tough challenge to try and win the treble again
Ferdinand said: “No English team has done that.” It will be a huge demand. One of the big factors is maintaining consistency without De Bruyne for four months, without Gundogan and Mahrez. It is going to be difficult. It will be a big challenge. I don’t think he’s saying anything too wild.
Ferdinand enjoyed great success at Manchester United, with Sir Alex Ferguson constantly demanding that his players perform.
Guardiola now faces a similar challenge in terms of continuing to get the most out of his players.
Ferdinand said: “Ferguson used to focus on individuals, but it was also you who played for Man United, you have to be in perfect condition week after week.” It’s difficult. These players have proven they can reach the top of Mount Rushmore, now it’s all about holding it.
Ferdinand also claimed City were weaker than last season and said Jack Grealish and Cole Palmer will have to step up.
He said: “I would say this City side are weaker now than they were last season. When you lose the goals and assists of Mahrez, Gundogan and De Bruyne, those three players, and what did they bring to replace those goals? (Cole) Palmer will have to contribute with a lot of goals to mask that, (Jack) Grealish will have to step up.
Former City defender Joleon Lescott has highlighted the significant contribution Gundogan, Mahrez and De Bruyne made to City last season.
Lescott said: “You have to be lucky and unfortunately they injured key players. De Bruyne, Gundogan and Mahrez scored 80 goals.
Ilkay Gundogan (L) has joined Barcelona while Riyad Mahrez (R) has signed for Al-Ahli
Ferdinand also indicated that there will be pressure on Erling Haaland to repeat his remarkable feat of 52 goals in all competitions last season.
Ferdinand said: “Haaland has to repeat what he did last season. Will he still reach 50? He has to do that and probably more.