Manchester City ‘apparently not’ contenders for Champions League crown as Guardiola relishes De Bruyne return

Pep Guardiola is not focusing on Manchester City’s status as apparent outsiders for the Champions League title this season as they prepare to face club legend Kevin De Bruyne and Napoli on Thursday.

City bid an emotional farewell to De Bruyne back in May as his decorated spell with the club was brought to an end after 10 years.

He will return with reigning Serie A champions Napoli in the first fixture of City’s league phase campaign, with Guardiola’s men not among the top favourites to lift the trophy, at least in the eyes of the bookmakers.

City were knocked out in the playoff round by Real Madrid last season. For this term, Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, holders Paris Saint-Germain and Madrid all have shorter odds than City.

Premier League champions Liverpool are the favourites and the pick of the most to claim the title, though Guardiola insists he pays little mind to such predictions as he sets out to ensure City make a strong start.

“Apparently we are not [contenders],” Guardiola told his pre-match press conference.

“Just enjoy the moment, we are happy to be here after the path we have been [on] so we are just focusing on tomorrow and the game we have to play and starting well in this competition.