Sport
Michael Ballack Names Liverpool as His Top Champions League Favorite
Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack has tipped Liverpool as the team to beat in this season’s Champions League race.
Ballack shared his thoughts after Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Lille on Tuesday, a result that saw them secure their spot in the knockout stages.
Speaking to German outlet Sport Bild, Ballack shared that Real Madrid, the reigning champions, are no longer his top pick.
“Based on their performances so far, Real Madrid are not my top favourite. That would be Liverpool, who are currently dominating the Champions League,” he said.
Ballack also praised the smooth transition Liverpool made after Klopp’s time in charge. “I was positively surprised by how Arne Slot managed the transition after Klopp.
It’s always tough to follow greats like Klopp or someone like José Mourinho, who left a unique legacy at my former club Chelsea,” he added.
While Liverpool stands out as the favorite, Ballack also mentioned Atalanta as a dark horse.
“They have a clear plan offensively and defensively and dominated Bayer Leverkusen in last year’s Europa League final,” he noted.
Chelsea player Enzo Fernández is in discussions to join Manchester City. This information was revealed by Fabrizio Romano, who shared that the two clubs are discussing a potential deal.
He wrote: “Enzo Fernández has a verbal agreement with Manchester City on personal terms.
“Deal depends on club-to-club decision, as #MCFC have not sent an official bid yet, but contacts will take place soon; decision on price is up to Chelsea.
“Enzo could be out again this weekend.”
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca mentions his captains for the team. He mentions Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland.
He shared “We have experienced players. For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four or five more days until the transfer window closes to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling , who at the moment are the two captains.”
Maresca confirmed the pair as part of his leadership group ahead of the 2026/27 season, with two more captains expected to be selected after the transfer window closes.
Chelsea manager speaks on the team and shares thoughts on considering a change in goalkeepers, giving another goalkeeper, Mike Penders, a chance.
“Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.”
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