Man City title chances questioned as concern raised after Treble win
Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott doesn't believe his old employers are a lock for the Premier League title this season, despite coming off the back of a breakthrough Treble win.
Lescott was part of the City side which won its first Premier League title in 2012 but failed to go back-to-back under Roberto Mancini. They have won multiple titles in recent years under Pep Guardiola, but it wasn't until this year that they added an elusive Champions League victory, beating Inter Milan in Istanbul to seal the Treble.
It has been a summer of change at the Etihad Stadium, with club captain Ilkay Gundogan joining Barcelona and former club record signing Riyad Mahrez moving to Al-Ahli. While City have the quality to lead the way again, with last season's top scorer Erling Haaland aiming to lead the way once more, but Lescott has his reservations.
"No, I don't think so," TNT Sports pundit Lescott said when asked if City are clear favourites to retain their league title. "Not because of the signings, I just think what they've achieved has potentially taken a toll onto the start of the season.
"I think the fact that people are just assuming they can do that again, and the quadruple and the Treble, I think it slightly underestimates what they've achieved and how hard that is. That could potentially produce a slower start to the season, and other teams are raring to go."
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The first big challenge, of course, will be making up for the loss of two men who have been fixtures in the squad for a number of years. They have replaced stars in the past, though, adapting and even strengthening after losing the likes of Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Fernandinho.
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Ilkay Gundogan is one of the big names to leave City this summer (AP)Those rebuilds often begin before the departures are confirmed, and some of the players brought in by City last term will be looking to kick on in year two. Yes, even Haaland, despite his record-breaking debut campaign.
Beyond that, though, City have spent big on Josko Gvardiol and picked up Mateo Kovacic in a comparatively cheap deal. It also remains to be seen whether their interest in Lucas Paqueta brings a move for the West Ham playmaker before deadline day.
Lescott - for all his concerns about the title defence, recognises the class of 2023 aren't quite in the same position as his generation. Yes, the Champions League title was a monkey off Guardiola's back in a similar way to the 2012 league title for Mancini, but the two squads are very different - both as a whole and in comparison to their rivals.
"2012 was when I was there and we were dealing with a different level of experience and understanding, against one of the greatest teams in the history of the Premier League in Man Utd, and that's City right now in terms of experience," the former England international added. "So I'm sure they're the team to beat, and everybody recognises that, but it can take a toll, what they've achieved.
"Because everyone kind of predicted it, it's like 'okay, they've got the treble, they'll do it again'. I think it shouldn't be underestimated, what they've achieved. I think to do it in any era, in any league, is a remarkable achievement. To do the treble and for it to be your first Champions League is a massive achievement."
Lescott was a regular when City won the league in 2011-12 (AFP/Getty Images)City begin their campaign against some familiar faces. Their former captain and Lescott's former centre-back partner Vincent Kompany is hoping his Burnley team can down City on Friday night, with Craig Bellamy - another former City favourite - serving as the Belgian's number two.
That's before we get onto another man looking to get one over on his former employers. James Trafford traded the Etihad for Turf Moor after his penalty side secured Euros glory for England's under-21s, and Lescott has backed the keeper to thrive in his new surroundings.
"Oh yeah he's ready for the Premier League," he said of Trafford, who he can see returning to City further down the line. "He is top, he is top with temperament, quality.
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"I think everyone sees the quality but his temperament is he loves it, but nothing fazes him. He is not bothered by anything. He said it in his interview after the [Euros final], that he knew he would save a penalty and I genuinely believe him. In no arrogant way at all, I think he is just so comfortable with his quality.
"He works extremely hard and is so aware of what it will take to have a top career. I have no doubt he will reach the very top of the game."
City might have been beaten in the Community Shield, but perhaps we shouldn't read too much into that when it comes to making league predictions. They won their league opener last season after losing to Liverpool in the curtain-raiser, and have won all but one of their opening league games under Guardiola - the exception coming against Spurs in 2021.
This time last year it was Haaland leading by example, scoring both goals away to West Ham. Gundogan scored in each of the following two games, though, and this season's outcome could rely on how well the German's presence is replaced.
"We've seen arguably one of the best performers at the back-end of the season in Gundogan over the last two or three years, so that will be a huge void," Lescott added. "But Man City have made transition after transition. They lost Sergio Aguero, they lost David Silva, they lost Vincent Kompany, lost Joe Hart, and done okay. So I'm sure they'll be prepared for what's ahead."
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