Sevilla were much stronger in the Champions League in the past. They were able to get past the group stage and have a much more impressive run. Their squad was also full of really great players such as Daniel Alves though. But now those times are long gone. Instead they continue to dominate the Europa League with many championships.
This must be still feeling great for Sevilla of course. Because they have been out of a title race in the La Liga since their old times and they haven't had big goals in the Champions League also. To be more competitive in this tournament Sevilla would need a big renovation.
But I'm pretty sure that they are happy with their current condition. In the end they still won the Europa League title despite a very bad run in the La Liga during a significant time period of the season.
Topic: UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Season - page 1262. (Read 141752 times)
The Champions League has a very high level of difficulty because the tournament is filled with successful clubs in their respective leagues so only teams that are ready for all the pressures and difficulties will be able to survive and excel. Usually the clubs that can do a lot in the Champions League are those who are used to or play here quite often, and clubs that only occasionally find it difficult to survive, so Real Sociedad will be very doubtful in the Champions League next season, even though they can get an easy draw so can pass the group phase but the knockout round will make them have to play well to be able to move on to the next round.
David Silva and several other players are good players but maybe that won't be enough for Real Sociedad to go far in this competition, if they can win that would be great enough, but it's possible they will become dark horses next season.
I still think that there is a good chance Sevilla may end up being in europa yet again this season if they get a tough group, depends on the other three team of course they could go on or they could even be fourth too we do not know but a third place is very likely for them, and I bet they will enjoy that.David Silva and several other players are good players but maybe that won't be enough for Real Sociedad to go far in this competition, if they can win that would be great enough, but it's possible they will become dark horses next season.
Sociedad definitely will not be a good team, another third or fourth for sure without a doubt, all on different groups of course due to national arrangement thingy and Sociedad will definitely face some big clubs without a doubt, and that will hurt their chances, maybe a third place and to europa league there as well should be easier to aim. All in all there are so many great teams and it is going to be a bit tough without a doubt.
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I do not think Kovacic was signed because of his champions league exploits. Kovacic was signed to complement Gundogan space in the Manchester City line up. With Phillps injured and fitting into the MCFC squad, kovacic can be a quality replacement and also stops Pep from playing Stones in midfield. With kovacic, you have an 8 and a 6, with excellent work rate and passing accuracy. Good deal for both sides.
Manchester City will have no problem finding a defensive midfielder, that's because they have 3 defensive midfielders so far. Rodri, Kalvin Phillips and Máximo Perrone are the 3 defensive midfielders I mean, but so far only Rodri has been included in the main line-up the most times. Kalvin Philips is the second choice, so I think Manchester City are safe. While Kovacic will complete the midfield position after Ilkay Gundogan did not renew his contract, he is Ilkay's replacement but may not be.
For Pep Guardiola to be interested in Kovacic, he must have seen something special in him that can help the entire squad. Nobody becomes a master midfielder overnight; it takes time, therefore I'm positive about Kovacic's future at Manchester City. He's not a horrible player, and he fared well for Chelsea despite their awful performance last season.
Pep is a good manager for any player, kovacic will improve next season. The excitement of being signed by the best club team in the world right now will get to him and give him a new burst of confidence. With Manchester City, he may not immediately become a first team player, but he surely will have some importance to Manchester City next season. Manchester City are the defending champions of the UEFA champions league, players will need to play at the same top level to defend the title, kovacic will improve to that standard.The city will not face too many problems without Gundogan at City. Gundogan was a very important player for Manchester City. And he played very well in almost every match. However, Manchester City is not dependent on any particular player. The team is not even dependent on Haaland. Manchester City is a strong team because of the good performance of every player in the squad. And so I don't think Manchester City will be weakened without Gundogan in the squad.
Mateo Kovačić is not a midfielder who tends to score goals, but he can help Manchester City have a good game in midfield. Mateo Kovačić has had a better role as a defensive midfielder instead of making more goal attempts, but that was when he played for Inter, Real Madrid and Chelsea. But I'm sure Mateo Kovačić's contribution to Manchester City's attack scheme next season will be different and his goalscoring stats will probably improve more than at Chelsea, Real Madrid or Inter.
Kovacic is more defensive than attacking. In his national team Croatia, he and Brozovic played like two defensive midfielders and Modric takes care of their attacking in the midfield. Through his career, Kovacic has never shown good attacking ability from chance created to distant shots.Exactly like that, so I prefer to call Kovacic a defensive midfielder rather than a central midfielder or an attacking midfielder.
Mateo Kovacic is a player who deserves to be in that position because of his physicality and ability to defend. Compared to Ilkay Gundogan, I think Kovacic is much better defensively than attacking. I see Gundogan as an attacking midfielder instead of a defensive midfielder and a central midfielder.
Like Rodri can play more attacking in a next season, will he become a midfielder like Yaya Toure?
It could be, but the two players are different.
You can compare the stats of the two players to spot the differences, even if they have a similar playing style.
Pep Guardiola possibly wants to have Kovacic to replace Gundogan but indirectly. Gundogan is a midfielder with balancing skills between defensive and attacking and he is like Modric. So Kovacic will be used for defensive and Pep will adjust the club system with more attacking tasks for other midfielders. Like Rodri can play more attacking in a next season, will he become a midfielder like Yaya Toure?
see the comparison between Kovacic and Gundogan is actually unequal and better for Gundogan but after all it's Man City's decision to let him go and I support your argument that Kovacic will only be used in a stronger defensive position. I see that Guardiola has a new strategy this season to be able to get another title in the champions league and if I see Guardiola is still looking for more talented players to add to defensive positions but can also be relied on to attack. 
For Pep Guardiola to be interested in Kovacic, he must have seen something special in him that can help the entire squad. Nobody becomes a master midfielder overnight; it takes time, therefore I'm positive about Kovacic's future at Manchester City. He's not a horrible player, and he fared well for Chelsea despite their awful performance last season.
Pep is a good manager for any player, kovacic will improve next season. The excitement of being signed by the best club team in the world right now will get to him and give him a new burst of confidence. With Manchester City, he may not immediately become a first team player, but he surely will have some importance to Manchester City next season. Manchester City are the defending champions of the UEFA champions league, players will need to play at the same top level to defend the title, kovacic will improve to that standard.The city will not face too many problems without Gundogan at City. Gundogan was a very important player for Manchester City. And he played very well in almost every match. However, Manchester City is not dependent on any particular player. The team is not even dependent on Haaland. Manchester City is a strong team because of the good performance of every player in the squad. And so I don't think Manchester City will be weakened without Gundogan in the squad.
That's the main reason why pep was picking him. Gundogan is good last season but what about the previous season? Kovacic has impressive stats overall compared with gundogan.
I don't care so much whether gundogan will leave or stay as long as kovacic is still there and city is fine with it.
I do not think Kovacic was signed because of his champions league exploits. Kovacic was signed to complement Gundogan space in the Manchester City line up. With Phillps injured and fitting into the MCFC squad, kovacic can be a quality replacement and also stops Pep from playing Stones in midfield. With kovacic, you have an 8 and a 6, with excellent work rate and passing accuracy. Good deal for both sides.
But Kovacic's quality at Manchester City has also not proven good, because when a player can play well at his previous club, the player still cannot promise to get good results at his new club next season. Therefore, I personally still cannot have too high hopes but indeed, with the experience that Kovacic has, Kovacic should still be able to play well at Manchester City next season. Because after all, Kovacic is also used to playing at big clubs like Inter, Real Madrid and Chelsea and naturally, Kovacic has no difficulty adapting to Manchester City.
Real Madrid must have found out how bad they were against Manchester City. They will really need to make a big improvement for next season. They need to stay strong in offense and defense both. Manchester City just tore their defense apart in the second leg. Now Benzema has left the team people are wondering who will be filling his space in the team.
Real Madrid should make their investment in the right way to become much more competitive in the Champions League again. They can actually make some adjustments in the defense line as well. Because I found the defenders quite desperate against Manchester City attackers.
Indeed. After Man City eliminated them in the semi-final round, Real Madrid already evaluated their squad. We can see that Real Madrid has started to rebuild again their squad, especially on the attacking line. There are only 2 attackers on Real Madrid squad (Vinicius and Rodrygo), Real Madrid needs some attackers to replace those players who left the club. The main target should be a new center forward (CF), a new striker who can replace Benzema's position. There is a rumor that Real Madrid is trying to sign Harry Kane, but it looks like not easy for Real Madrid to negotiate with Tottenham.Real Madrid should make their investment in the right way to become much more competitive in the Champions League again. They can actually make some adjustments in the defense line as well. Because I found the defenders quite desperate against Manchester City attackers.
Well, Real Madrid defense line is also not strong enough. They need some new defenders, especially for left and right backs. They also need 1 strong center back at least. I hope Real Madrid will consider putting Nacho Fernández and Jesús Vallejo on the transfer list.
Real Madrid is re-building their teams in order to perform well in the Champions League next season. Since Manchester City eliminated them, they are attempting to sign new players to replace those who have left. Madrid is attempting to bring Mbappe to the team in order to replace Benzema; if Madrid signs him, they will be stronger than before. We need to sign a new defender to replace Nacho Fernandez because his performance is very poor and he is getting older.
It may happen next year but not for this year. Perez has been clearly stated that if real madrid will not pay price offered by PSG. Madrid is still able waiting for mbappe to leave from PSG with free agent. You can't hope it to happen now caused by the real madrid president has been confirming it. Football is dynamic but i do believe any words that have been coming from perez.
Madrid will not be wasting a lot of money for a player. There are lots of things that can be done with such money.
Manchester City will definitely miss Gundogan, his a player with so much technical abilities likewise tactically, meanwhile Pep Guardiola letting go of his best player's means no harm to City, take a look at Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and also Zinchenko who all left for various clubs, they didn't feel the loss if those player's even though they're solid players who was part of the first team. I can't wait for the season to kick off honestly, currently I still don't see any club capable of outplaying them in the Premier League.
Manchester City would definetely miss Gundogan. I know I would miss seeing him play amongst City lads. He's an experienced player and Barcelona is lucky to have him on their squad.
Pep letting go of some of his best players really hasn't done any harm to the club. I had envisioned Sterling to have a much longer stay at Manchester City and was a bit surprised when he left the club to Chelsea. Same with Gabriel Jesus when he left for Arsenal. They didn't feel a single bit the loss of these players as they're still in amazing form.
I bet you're not alone in waiting for the season to kick off. I too am waiting for the next season of the premier league to start. It would be interesting to see what team would try to outplay City.
Real Madrid must have found out how bad they were against Manchester City. They will really need to make a big improvement for next season. They need to stay strong in offense and defense both. Manchester City just tore their defense apart in the second leg. Now Benzema has left the team people are wondering who will be filling his space in the team.
Real Madrid should make their investment in the right way to become much more competitive in the Champions League again. They can actually make some adjustments in the defense line as well. Because I found the defenders quite desperate against Manchester City attackers.
Indeed. After Man City eliminated them in the semi-final round, Real Madrid already evaluated their squad. We can see that Real Madrid has started to rebuild again their squad, especially on the attacking line. There are only 2 attackers on Real Madrid squad (Vinicius and Rodrygo), Real Madrid needs some attackers to replace those players who left the club. The main target should be a new center forward (CF), a new striker who can replace Benzema's position. There is a rumor that Real Madrid is trying to sign Harry Kane, but it looks like not easy for Real Madrid to negotiate with Tottenham.Real Madrid should make their investment in the right way to become much more competitive in the Champions League again. They can actually make some adjustments in the defense line as well. Because I found the defenders quite desperate against Manchester City attackers.
Well, Real Madrid defense line is also not strong enough. They need some new defenders, especially for left and right backs. They also need 1 strong center back at least. I hope Real Madrid will consider putting Nacho Fernández and Jesús Vallejo on the transfer list.
Manchester City will definitely miss Gundogan, his a player with so much technical abilities likewise tactically, meanwhile Pep Guardiola letting go of his best player's means no harm to City, take a look at Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and also Zinchenko who all left for various clubs, they didn't feel the loss if those player's even though they're solid players who was part of the first team. I can't wait for the season to kick off honestly, currently I still don't see any club capable of outplaying them in the Premier League.
Manchester City would definetely miss Gundogan. I know I would miss seeing him play amongst City lads. He's an experienced player and Barcelona is lucky to have him on their squad.
Pep letting go of some of his best players really hasn't done any harm to the club. I had envisioned Sterling to have a much longer stay at Manchester City and was a bit surprised when he left the club to Chelsea. Same with Gabriel Jesus when he left for Arsenal. They didn't feel a single bit the loss of these players as they're still in amazing form.
I bet you're not alone in waiting for the season to kick off. I too am waiting for the next season of the premier league to start. It would be interesting to see what team would try to outplay City.
That's the main reason why pep was picking him. Gundogan is good last season but what about the previous season? Kovacic has impressive stats overall compared with gundogan.
I don't care so much whether gundogan will leave or stay as long as kovacic is still there and city is fine with it.
I do not think Kovacic was signed because of his champions league exploits. Kovacic was signed to complement Gundogan space in the Manchester City line up. With Phillps injured and fitting into the MCFC squad, kovacic can be a quality replacement and also stops Pep from playing Stones in midfield. With kovacic, you have an 8 and a 6, with excellent work rate and passing accuracy. Good deal for both sides.
I just realized because Sevilla the winner of europa league then this year Laliga has 5 representative in champion league but very interesting to see Sociedad journey next season because this is their first europa tournament after 10 years and last time they were joined on season 2013-2014 and at that time their performance were really messed up because from 6 matches on group stage Sociedad only able to collect 1 points and their final position is in the bottom of group standings
For next season some of fans were hopes Sociedad can talk more to this competition although it's hard but it probably can be realized and they have good players such as David Silva, Takefusa Kubo or Alexander Sorloth who can scores 14 goals during last season in all competitions however for drawing pot Sociedad probably in the pot 3 or pot 4 and they more likely will met strong teams from England or Italy so their journey will be so difficult this time
Last season, Sevilla participants in Champion League but difficult qualify to next phase after finish on third standings place on group stage and make them have play on Europe League, not sure with Sevilla has consistent performance next season. But excited for Real Sociedad, looks first participants after absent several years in Champion League competition. But they have prepare with top composition player and David Silva has good experienced but need many star player for participating in Champion League.For next season some of fans were hopes Sociedad can talk more to this competition although it's hard but it probably can be realized and they have good players such as David Silva, Takefusa Kubo or Alexander Sorloth who can scores 14 goals during last season in all competitions however for drawing pot Sociedad probably in the pot 3 or pot 4 and they more likely will met strong teams from England or Italy so their journey will be so difficult this time
Takefusa Kubo has good performance in this season with Real Sociedad, from 35 matches in La Liga this season success scored 9 goals and seems he has chance show potential in Champion League for the first time.
I just realized because Sevilla the winner of europa league then this year Laliga has 5 representative in champion league but very interesting to see Sociedad journey next season because this is their first europa tournament after 10 years and last time they were joined on season 2013-2014 and at that time their performance were really messed up because from 6 matches on group stage Sociedad only able to collect 1 points and their final position is in the bottom of group standings
For next season some of fans were hopes Sociedad can talk more to this competition although it's hard but it probably can be realized and they have good players such as David Silva, Takefusa Kubo or Alexander Sorloth who can scores 14 goals during last season in all competitions however for drawing pot Sociedad probably in the pot 3 or pot 4 and they more likely will met strong teams from England or Italy so their journey will be so difficult this time
For next season some of fans were hopes Sociedad can talk more to this competition although it's hard but it probably can be realized and they have good players such as David Silva, Takefusa Kubo or Alexander Sorloth who can scores 14 goals during last season in all competitions however for drawing pot Sociedad probably in the pot 3 or pot 4 and they more likely will met strong teams from England or Italy so their journey will be so difficult this time
Of the surprises that we have yet to realize, there is an even more important one - this will be the last season of the Champions League under the old rules. Then instead of the group stage there will be a Swiss system without doubles (home - away) games and it will be very unusual. But in fact, I expect that the teams participating in the playoffs (especially starting from the quarterfinals) will be the same.
I just realized because Sevilla the winner of europa league then this year Laliga has 5 representative in champion league but very interesting to see Sociedad journey next season because this is their first europa tournament after 10 years and last time they were joined on season 2013-2014 and at that time their performance were really messed up because from 6 matches on group stage Sociedad only able to collect 1 points and their final position is in the bottom of group standings
For next season some of fans were hopes Sociedad can talk more to this competition although it's hard but it probably can be realized and they have good players such as David Silva, Takefusa Kubo or Alexander Sorloth who can scores 14 goals during last season in all competitions however for drawing pot Sociedad probably in the pot 3 or pot 4 and they more likely will met strong teams from England or Italy so their journey will be so difficult this time
The Champions League has a very high level of difficulty because the tournament is filled with successful clubs in their respective leagues so only teams that are ready for all the pressures and difficulties will be able to survive and excel. Usually the clubs that can do a lot in the Champions League are those who are used to or play here quite often, and clubs that only occasionally find it difficult to survive, so Real Sociedad will be very doubtful in the Champions League next season, even though they can get an easy draw so can pass the group phase but the knockout round will make them have to play well to be able to move on to the next round.For next season some of fans were hopes Sociedad can talk more to this competition although it's hard but it probably can be realized and they have good players such as David Silva, Takefusa Kubo or Alexander Sorloth who can scores 14 goals during last season in all competitions however for drawing pot Sociedad probably in the pot 3 or pot 4 and they more likely will met strong teams from England or Italy so their journey will be so difficult this time
David Silva and several other players are good players but maybe that won't be enough for Real Sociedad to go far in this competition, if they can win that would be great enough, but it's possible they will become dark horses next season.
4 goals and 17 assists in his last 5 seasons is kinda impressive, but not comparable to what Gundogan contributed for Manchester City before leaving for Barcelona. For Pep Guardiola to be interested in Kovacic, he must have seen something special in him that can help the entire squad. Nobody becomes a master midfielder overnight; it takes time, therefore I'm positive about Kovacic's future at Manchester City. He's not a horrible player, and he fared well for Chelsea despite their awful performance last season.
3 times UCL champions in a row with real madrid + 1 UCL from chelsea are more than enough to consider him as one of best midfielder in the world. Kovacic has been also winning so many trophies other than UCL. That's the main reason why pep was picking him. Gundogan is good last season but what about the previous season? Kovacic has impressive stats overall compared with gundogan.
I don't care so much whether gundogan will leave or stay as long as kovacic is still there and city is fine with it.
Mateo Kovačić is not a midfielder who tends to score goals, but he can help Manchester City have a good game in midfield. Mateo Kovačić has had a better role as a defensive midfielder instead of making more goal attempts, but that was when he played for Inter, Real Madrid and Chelsea. But I'm sure Mateo Kovačić's contribution to Manchester City's attack scheme next season will be different and his goalscoring stats will probably improve more than at Chelsea, Real Madrid or Inter.
Kovacic is more defensive than attacking. In his national team Croatia, he and Brozovic played like two defensive midfielders and Modric takes care of their attacking in the midfield. Through his career, Kovacic has never shown good attacking ability from chance created to distant shots.Quote
Pep Guardiola is a smart coach and genius in giving his players a role. He can turn defenders into midfielders, he can also turn midfielders into wingers. So if Kovacic really works hard to train himself getting better then it is very possible for him to have a lot of success at Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola possibly wants to have Kovacic to replace Gundogan but indirectly. Gundogan is a midfielder with balancing skills between defensive and attacking and he is like Modric. So Kovacic will be used for defensive and Pep will adjust the club system with more attacking tasks for other midfielders. Like Rodri can play more attacking in a next season, will he become a midfielder like Yaya Toure? kovacic will be able to take on the task of being a worthy replacement after Gundogan leaves. Indeed, there is nothing to worry about about the quality that Kovacic has because Pep Guardiola knows the strengths that Kovacic has so Pep is very sure that he will get the right replacement for the position left by Gundogan.
So next season Manchester City will be the strongest team in the Champions League. They have Kevin De Bruyne and Haaland and Manchester also have a pretty strong defense. Pep Guardiola will try to repeat the success of this season in the season to come. He is quite an influential coach at the moment and understands the situation that must be addressed in his team.
So next season Manchester City will be the strongest team in the Champions League. They have Kevin De Bruyne and Haaland and Manchester also have a pretty strong defense. Pep Guardiola will try to repeat the success of this season in the season to come. He is quite an influential coach at the moment and understands the situation that must be addressed in his team.
Mateo Kovačić is not a midfielder who tends to score goals, but he can help Manchester City have a good game in midfield. Mateo Kovačić has had a better role as a defensive midfielder instead of making more goal attempts, but that was when he played for Inter, Real Madrid and Chelsea. But I'm sure Mateo Kovačić's contribution to Manchester City's attack scheme next season will be different and his goalscoring stats will probably improve more than at Chelsea, Real Madrid or Inter.
Pep Guardiola is a smart coach and genius in giving his players a role. He can turn defenders into midfielders, he can also turn midfielders into wingers. So if Kovacic really works hard to train himself getting better then it is very possible for him to have a lot of success at Manchester City.
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