'Apparently we are not!' - Pep Guardiola claims Man City are seen as Champions League underdogs

Manchester City Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1

Pep Guardiola has hinted he is surprised Manchester City are "apparently" not one of favourites to win this season's Champions League. City get their 2025-26 European campaign under way on Thursday evening when they play host to Serie A champions Napoli at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City behind Liverpool & Arsenal on list of favourites

Ahead of City’s return to the Champions League, many bookmakers believe Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal have a greater chance of lifting Europe’s premier club competition. La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona and reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain are also ahead of City in the bookmakers' odds.

FC Internazionale v Manchester City FC - UEFA Champions League Final 2022/23

Guardiola indicates City are going under the radar

While opting not to delve too deeply into the discussion of favourites, Guardiola has indicated City are going under the radar as they prepare to launch their bid for a second Champions League crown. Guardiola led City to their first title just three seasons ago when they defeated Inter 1-0 in the 2022-23 showpiece.

What Guardiola said ahead of clash with Napoli

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Napoli’s visit to the Etihad, Guardiola said: "Apparently we are not [one of the favourites]. Enjoy the moment, the journey, we are happy to be here. In the past we have been [among the favourites]. We have won just once. It is a lot for the difficulty [of the competition] and we just focus on tomorrow, the game we have to play."

City head into Napoli match on the back of derby delight

City head into the Napoli match in great spirits after downing rivals Manchester United 3-0 in the derby on Sunday. The result saw Guardiola’s men bounce back from successive Premier League defeats against Tottenham and Brighton before the international break.

ACF Fiorentina v SSC Napoli - Serie A

Guardiola's men to face stern test from Serie A champions

City are likely to face a stern test when they lock horns with Napoli in their Champions League opener. Antonio Conte’s men have made the perfect start to the defence of their Serie A title, defeating Sassuolo, Cagliari and Fiorentina in their first three league games.