Robbie Savage claimed Manchester City were ‘miles short’ in Europe last season. Really?
In the build-up to Manchester City’s opening Premier League game against Southampton, Robbie Savage told BBC Radio 5 Live about the challenges ahead of City.
He was correct in that this season City will make progression in the Champions League a big priority this season, as they attempt to make an impact in Europe’s elite competition after being eliminated at the group stage last season.
But the former Manchester United youth team player then went onto discuss City’s efforts in the competition last season, describing them as being “miles short” and “getting found out.”
On that comment, we beg to differ, because City were unlucky last season. They may have been knocked out in the group stages, but their 10 points was no disgrace.
In fact 10 points is usually enough to ensure qualification from the group.
Two teams qualified with nine points from their groups; AC Milan and Zenit St Petersburg, and another two with eight points; CSKA Moscow and Lyon.
The reason for the high margin required in City’s group was Villareal’s ineptitude, they failed to gain a single point losing all six of their matches, pushing the required points total up. Bayern Munich took 13 and Napoli 11 to qualify for the latter stages.
But while Savage may be happy to dismiss City’s efforts, they were clearly far from falling short. Where they did suffer was against Napoli, gaining just one point from a potential six.
They drew at home to the Italians and fell to a narrow defeat away. Then there was the galling 2-0 loss in Munich, which is best remembered for Carlos Tevez’ off-pitch transgression and the resultant fallout.
When they beat Bayern Munich in the reverse 2-0 through goals from David Silva and Yaya Toure, it should be taken with a bit of a pinch of salt as the Germans had already qualified and fielded an under strength side, albeit one packed with internationals.
Even so, City showed overall they were close last season, not miles short, just narrowly below where they needed to be. Their cause was not helped by a tough group draw caused by their fourth ranking seeding.
Manchester United, who were ranked first, fell flat in their group, eliminated with just nine points. Both clubs have work to do to improve in Europe this coming season, and lessons will have to be learned, but City were not miles short.
A favourable draw and a good start should see them do better this time around. As Premier League champions, City will now feel as though they belong at the level, and the results should show on the pitch.
image: © alfonso jimenez
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
