Ashley Westwood knows a thing or two about football. Ahead of the UEFA Champions League group stage kick-off, former footballer, coach and Sony panelist Westwood engaged in an open chat to talk about various topics relating to the Champions League.
On UCL Favourites
Westwood picked three teams and said he would be surprised if the one of these three don’t win the UCL.
“Manchester City would be the obvious favourites to win this season as well. They have started well in this season’s Premier League, winning all games. They have invested intelligently, adding quite a few decent names.
“There’s no way to look past Real Madrid when we talk about UCL. They’ve had a strong start to the season as well, with Jude Bellingham firing all cylinders.”
“Bayern Munich had everything they needed except a proper striker last season. With the addition of Harry Kane, they are definitely one of the favourites to win this year,” Westwood said.
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On UCL after Messi, Ronaldo
Ashley Westwood was asked on concerns about the level of excitement dropping following the absence of Messi, Neymar, Ronaldo era.
Westwood dismissed the concern, claiming the world is ready to look up to the next set of footballers who are all brilliant.
“Barring Messi, everyone else were approaching the end of their careers, so I do not think they would be huge misses. With exciting players such as Bellingham, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Leroy Sane playing in the tournament, UCL would remain as exciting as ever.”
On Italian teams in UCL
The Manchester United Academy graduate was asked if the dominance of the Italian teams in last season’s UCL will continue this time around, to which he said, “They’re certainly strong. Napoli had a fantastic previous season, winning the title. AC Milan has a good defensive record with their strikers scorings goals too. They will worry a lot of teams. Inter Milan last year gave a good fight to Manchester City in the final. I’m guessing they’ll have a good run this time too.”
The UEFA Champions League 2023/24 will be live telecast on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 5, Sony Sports Ten 1 HD, Sony Sports Ten 2 HD and Sony Sports Ten 5 HD channels from September 19, 2023, 10:15 PM onwards.
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