WILL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HEARTBREAK KNOCK CITY OFF THEIR STRIDE?

Manchester City’s transformation a quarter of the way through last season was as impressive as it was surprising. In late November, Pep Guardiola’s stuttering side languished in 13th spot, seemingly out of the title reckoning. Even the Catalan’s staunchest admirers began to lose faith, his side a pale imitation of their brilliant former selves.

A record- breaking 21 consecutive wins across all competitions dramatically changed that narrative, with Ruben Dias and John Stones forming an imperious centre- back partnership. By the season’s end, City had kept clean sheets in 52 per cent of their fixtures. Upfront, a funky forwardless setup papered over the long- term loss of Sergio Aguero, a shedload of goals shared around the team. Ultimately, a third league crown in four years was secured at a canter.

The picture was just as bright in Europe. Following years of Champions League calamity and curse, the quarter- finals were comfortably negotiated before Paris Saint- Germain were dismantled with aplomb.

But then came that nightmare in the final; a third defeat within six weeks to Thomas Tuchel’s revived Chelsea. This one was utterly devastating.

The disappointment will surely impact City’s title defence, but to what extent? Amid murmurings of dressing- room discontent with Guardiola’s tactical experimentation in the final, Ilkay Gundogan spoke of his coach’s “special idea” in deploying him deeper, the German adding he “tried to make the best of it”.

It will help that most City players had Euro 2020 and Copa America commitments to distract them, not to mention the anticipated spending spree. Hungry newcomers would bring City fresh impetus as Guardiola attempts to overhaul his own creation.

Concerns come further down the line. Should City again reach the business end of Europe’s most prestigious competition, Holy Grail analogies will emerge from every nook and cranny. The pressure to finally lift Ol’ Big Ears will be all- encompassing.

Domestically, Tuchel has established himself as the new kryptonite to Pep’s superpowers, taking over from Jurgen Klopp, who once possessed an unerring ability to make the greatest coach of his generation doubt himself. Expect more left- field team selections as City take on Chelsea in potential title- swayers.

But enough negativity. The club is back with a bang after an 18- month slump. One loss doesn’t change that, no matter its cost to their legacy.