Bullish Phil Foden insists Manchester City are ‘the team to beat’ after strengthening their title-winning squad with £100m Jack Grealish… but midfielder is prepared for ‘really challenging season’
- Phil Foden was in a bullish mood ahead of the new Premier League campaign
- ‘Going into the season we’re gonna be the team to beat,’ he told Sky Sports News
- But he expects a tough challenge from rivals Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United
- City bought in sought-after star Jack Grealish in a £100m deal from Aston Villa
Phil Foden believes Manchester City are again the favourites to win the Premier League ahead of the new season and is relishing the challenge of trying to win back-to-back titles.
City stormed to the title after a disastrous title defence from Liverpool and stop-start campaigns from Manchester United and Chelsea.
They are expected to be in the race to be crowned champions again this season and reinforced their status as title favourites after signing Jack Grealish for a Premier League and British record transfer fee of £100million.
Phil Foden was in confident mood and believes Man City are ‘the team to beat’ this season
Foden helped City win last season’s Premier League title but knows it will be tough to retain
‘I believe once you’ve won it it’s really hard to retain it so going into the season we’re going to be the team to beat,’ the City midfielder told Sky Sports News.
‘But we’re gonna have to live up to that with the players we’ve got, I’m confident and just can’t wait to go.’
City were beaten 1-0 by Leicester in the Community Shield last Saturday and begin their campaign with a testing trip to Tottenham on August 15.
They should also expect a tougher title race this season as Liverpool have recovered Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez after being ravaged by injuries last season while Manchester United have made two huge signings in Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.
Foden celebrates a third title in four years with Kyle Walker, John Stones and Raheem Sterling
City made a statement this summer by signing Jack Grealish for a league record £100m fee
Chelsea, meanwhile, are sure to target a first league title since 2017 in their first full season under Thomas Tuchel after the German led them to last season’s Champions League, beating City in the final.
Foden was reluctant to say which team will pose the biggest threat to City and is expecting strong competition from across the board.
‘I dont really know there’s so many great teams, that’s the fun of the Premier League,’ he added.
‘Everyone’s strengthened so it’s going to be a really challenging season.’
But Man United have also made big moves such as buying England winger Jadon Sancho
Liverpool should also be stronger after recovering defensive leader Virgil van Dijk from injury
