Dimitar Berbatov has warned Manchester City that winning the Premier League next season will be “difficult” as he expects Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea to face challenges.
Facing stiff competition from Arsenal last season, Man City eventually grabbed a third successive league title under Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City’s success didn’t stop there, as the club also won the FA Cup and Champions League, completing a stunning and rare treble.
City’s home success has been boosted by Liverpool and Chelsea enduring disappointing seasons, but Berbatov believes both clubs will improve next season and challenge for the title.
Berbatov also expects his former club Manchester United and runners-up Arsenal to rival Manchester City for a fourth successive Premier League title. Asked if he thinks Man United will compete with Man City next season, Berbatov told Betfred:
“They have to be because Erik ten Hag is now fully aware of everything that is happening at the club, and his first season is now over.”
“Erik’s expectation, the club’s expectation and the fans’ expectation should be to win the Premier League title next season.”
“Of course what Manchester City have done this year will be difficult, but Manchester United’s motivation should be to end their dominance.”
“I think it will be difficult for Manchester City next season because not only Manchester United but also teams like Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool will be competing with them.”
“I know Chelsea have had a difficult season but next season they will be better under Mauricio Pochettino.” It will be very interesting to see which club present the biggest challenge to Manchester City.
Arsenal came close to winning their first league title since 2004 last season and finished five points behind Man City after a poor run.
Manchester United finished third in Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford and also won the League Cup, suggesting the Red Devils are finally on their way back.
Despite an impressive performance at the end of the season, Liverpool missed out on a Champions League place for the second time since Jurgen Klopp’s arrival at Anfield.
Chelsea, meanwhile, endured a miserable season under three different managers, finding themselves in the bottom half of the Premier League, closer to the relegation zone than the top four.
