Hamann ‘can’t see beyond Man City for the title’

Matt Stead

It might only be early-July, but Dietmar Hamann admits he “can’t see beyond” Manchester City for the Premier League title.

City were expected to challenge next season but finished third after a disappointing debut campaign under Pep Guardiola.

There were signs of progress however, and the club have already signed Bernardo Silva and Ederson for a combined £77.9million this summer.

They are once more tipped to be one of the main challengers for the title this coming season, and former midfielder Hamann admits that he “can’t see beyond them for the title”.

“I’m not sure we will see a different Pep Guardiola next season – but I am certain we’ll see a different Manchester City team this time,” he said, as quoted by the Daily Mirror.

“I can’t see beyond them for the title.

“Guardiola inherited an old, unbalanced squad with an ­ageing defence where all the full backs were the wrong side of 30.

“The squad was very poorly put together before Pep arrived, and given City’s resources that was staggering really.

“I remember a game a couple of seasons ago they only had one outfield player under 30.

“And although they’ve tried to lower the age profile, signing Raheem Sterling, Kevin de Bruyne, John Stones and Jesus, I wasn’t surprised when they struggled to keep up with Chelsea last season.

“Stones is a capable ­defender but he simply didn’t have enough support last season, and in the end it was problems in defence that cost City. Those problems were coming for a while and should have been addressed.

“In attack I still don’t think there’s anyone more potent than City – and I think Jesus will be the star turn next season.

“He’s clearly a talented boy with the right mindset.”