Manchester City: Rio Ferdinand says it would be 'stupid' to think Pep Guardiola's side won't win treble
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Published 27/04/2023 at 08:02 GMT
"They could win every game," reckons Rio Ferdinand on Manchester City's remaining games this season, which could see them triumph in the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup. City steamrollered Arsenal on Wednesday to mean that the first of those potential trophies is in their hands, and if they can get past the considerable hurdle of Real Madrid, Ferdinand thinks the treble is on.
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Manchester City's treble talk has been doused by Pep Guardiola and their players, but Rio Ferdinand thinks it would be "stupid" not to think they can do it.
City have been a relentless juggernaut in the closing stages of recent seasons, and that is turning out to be the case this term as well, with the 4-1 hammering of Arsenal on Wednesday night the latest indication of their peerless form.
That win means the Premier League title is now in their own hands, and with just three possible matches remaining in the Champions League - together with June's FA Cup final - they are on track to repeat Manchester United's treble of the same trophies from the 1998/99 campaign.
"I think you'd be stupid to write them off and say no [they won't win the treble]," Ferdinand said on BT Sport.
"The fixtures they've potentially got coming up - they could win every game.
"The big one is Real Madrid [in the Champions League semi-final] because, no matter the form Madrid go into that game [with], we've seen the history they've got in that tournament.
"They can pull a performance out of nowhere, they have world-class players all over the pitch and the experience to match this Manchester City team.
"That's the big one, and obviously the FA Cup final derby, you never know what's going to happen there, but they will obviously be big favourites.
"Can they do it? Yes they can."
Ferdinand, himself a winner of 15 trophies in English and European football, added that he sees a particular type of mentality in Guardiola's group.
"This Man City team have a confidence that no other team [have]. It's borderline arrogance, a nice arrogance.
"That confidence where they walk out and expect to win football matches, no matter the pressure, no matter the situation.
"That is something that none of the other teams are anywhere near at the moment."
Patrick Vieira, alongside Ferdinand on BT Sport, saluted his former side, especially the defensive contribution of Jack Grealish.
"This is the really crucial period of the season where you want all the players to be at their best," Vieira said.
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John Stones of Manchester City celebrates scoring his goal with team mates Ruben Dias and Rodri during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on April 26, 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Image credit: Getty Images
"And there are a lot of City players who are playing their best football at the moment.
"We didn't mention Grealish on the left-hand side; we didn't see him a lot going offensively, but he worked really hard.
"Those kinds of performances and having those players at the top of their game will give them a really good chance to go on and win everything."
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