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A four-time Champions League winner has made bold predictions ahead of the 2024-25 competition.
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has named his Champions League favourites and given his opinion on the competition’s new format.
What Pique said
Pique, a four-time continental champion with Manchester United in 2007-08 and the Blaugrana in 2008-09, 2010-11 and 2014-15, believes Real Madrid and Manchester City are the favourites to win Europe's premier club competition this season and is uncertain of Liverpool’s chances after Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
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"I think Real Madrid and City are both favourites for the teams that they have and the players," Pique told Express Sport. "And also I think they are the last two champions, I think they are the favourites.
"Liverpool with a new coach are in tier two of being the favourites. I think City and Madrid are first and then there is a second tier where you have Liverpool, PSG, Arsenal, Barcelona will be there, Bayern Munich."
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Furthermore, the former Spain defender emphasised the importance of luck and preparation in achieving success in the tournament, believing that the new format, which includes matches between top European teams in the first stage, adds an element of uncertainty to the competition.
"The Champions League is very tough and to be ready at the right time and right moment and also to have a little bit of luck in the right situations," he said. "It is the beginning of a new format also so let's see how it goes."
What comes next?
The revamped Champions League begins on September 17, 2024, with Juventus hosting PSV and Young Boys welcoming Aston Villa in the day's evening fixtures.
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