It all seems like a formality right now, as Pep Guardiola’s brilliant Manchester City team are marching towards the Premier League title.
After an underwhelming opening season in England, Guardiola has transformed this City side into one of the most exciting sides in Europe.
Pep’s City have evoked memories of the great Manchester United and Arsenal sides of the past, as Citizens have smashed every side en route to the title.
With the league all but sewn up this season, City will have a real crack at Europe this year as well, as Pep will know that this side could go deep in to the competition this year.
WATCH : Henrikh Mkhitaryan scores his first Arsenal goal!
After a heart breaking loss to Monaco in the round of 16 last year, City will know that they have the personnel required to have a real tilt at the cup with the big ears.
Pellegrini’s City side reached the semi-finals a couple of years back, when they eventually lost to the mighty Real Madrid.
Now with Pep at the helm, City fans have renewed hope that this may finally be the year when they make a mark on the grandest club competition in the world.
But it looks like Pep is already planning for next year, as he has asked the City board to put in a world record bid for Lionel Messi. Messi’s release clause stands at 650 Million Pounds.
Barcelona officials are also worried that someone might come in and snatch Messi from there.
‘We set up a clause which we think is enough to have Messi retire at FC Barcelona,’ said Schroder.
‘But having said that, we thought a year ago that the clause for Neymar was also good enough to retain the player, and that proved last summer not to be the case.
‘Looking at the future, I think, is difficult, but I don’t have a crystal ball and these days things are getting a little bit crazy.’
Watch this space for more!