When Man City arrived in Istanbul, Türkiye, Pep Guardiola welcomed the good news with the news that Kyle Walker was completely recovered to kick the Champions League final.
Walker is one of eight players who started the 8-2020 Champions League final who is still wearing the Man City shirt.
Man City welcomes Walker back
"We fought with pain two years ago," says Walker, who wants to turn the pain of losing to Chelsea in Porto two years ago into motivation to play Inter.
Man City changed a lot from the first time they reached the final of Europe's most prestigious football tournament, when Pep Guardiola made the revolution from 4-3-3 to 3-2-4-1.
Walker played a key role in the revolution as a right-sided centre-back. There, John Stones stepped forward to kick the central midfield pairing alongside Rodri.
“To get to the level of Manchester United, we have to win the Champions League. We have to seize this opportunity, because it doesn't always come," Walker dreams of history. He wants to win the treble with Man City, like the neighboring team did in the 3-1998 season.
Walker's confidence comes from the series of positive results that City have shown this season, with domination in the Premier League, taking the FA Cup like a walk and thrashing Real Madrid 4-0 to hold tickets to Istanbul.
Europe's most prestigious trophy is waiting for a new owner
Man City are playing strong football in the Champions League this season. Pep Guardiola's army has the best attack with 31 goals, the pass success rate is up to 90,4%.
In addition, the 3-2-4-1 system brings certainty to Man City with only 5 goals conceded, the least in the tournament, and 7 clean sheets.
Man City owns striker Erling Haaland leading the scoring race with 12 goals. The Norwegian striker will face the goalkeeper with the most saves in the tournament: Andre Onana, the author of 45 accurate saves that put Inter in the final.
"I want the Champions League, but if I lose, I don't lose," Pep Guardiola wants his players to focus instead of letting their spirits be dominated by the dream of winning three.
Pep also wants to deny that he is not obsessed with winning "La Orejona" - the name of the Champions League trophy as the Spaniards call it. He has been unsuccessful since leaving Barcelona and without Lionel Messi by his side.
Inter is optimistic despite being underestimated
In a position considered weaker, Inter chose to play defensively 3-5-2 with the past fulcrum. "I've been watching the 2010 final for 13 years," said winger Federico Dimarco. "I remember Diego Milito's goals and the moment when Zanetti lifted the trophy."
Dimarco promises to make it difficult for Walker in situations where Inter counter-attacks on the left, thanks to his speed, slickness as well as very annoying crosses.
Man City is more appreciated, but it is being overlooked that gives Inter the mental comfort to devote their whole heart to the match of life.
Force:
Man City: Walker recovered.
Inter: Mkhitaryan and Joaquin Correa return.
Probable teams:
Man City (3-2-4-1): Ederson; Walker, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake; Stones, Rodri; Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish; Haland.
Inter (3-5-2): Onana; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Dzeko.
Match rate: Man City handicap 1 1/4
Odds of goals: 2 3/4
Prediction: Man City win 2-1.
