Michael Ballack believes that Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are still the “team to beat” in the Premier League this season, despite their defeat last weekend.
Guardiola was named as Manuel Pellegrini’s successor in February, which appeared to have a negative effect on City’s form, as they just finished above Manchester United on goal difference in fourth.
However, since his arrival in the summer the team has been transformed, playing football reminiscent of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Players such as Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne have taken their game to another level under Guardiola’s tutelage, while the likes of John Stones, Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito and Leroy Sane were recruited in the summer to further strengthen his options.
The Citizens boasted a 100% win ratio in all competitions prior to last week, but that run came to an end in Glasgow, as they drew 3-3 with Celtic in the Champions League.
Just a few days later, Guardiola suffered his first defeat at the hands of title rivals Tottenham Hotspur, loosening their grip on the Premier League summit.
Despite that, Ballack still regards City as favourites this term, backing Guardiola to bag another league title.
“The work he did for Bayern Munich for the last three years was incredible, even without getting the Champions League trophy,” the retired midfielder told talkSPORT.
“For him it’s now a new challenge at Man City and you can already see the influence he has in terms of playing and in terms of possession, so I think Man City are the team to beat this season – even if they lost on the weekend.”
City have scored 18 goals and conceded seven in their opening seven Premier League fixtures, creating 91 chances, as they sit top on 18 points, one clear of Spurs in second and two ahead of Arsenal in third.
Next up for them following the international break is a home clash with Everton, before taking on Barcelona in the Champions League.
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