TalkSPORT commentator thinks Manchester City is greater than Chelsea and Arsenal, but not Celtic.

Despite their pursuit of a record Double Treble, Andy Townsend does not believe Pep Guardiola’s team is a worldwide powerhouse.

By Ryan McDonald, Editor 17 APR 2024, 19:24

Man City manager Pep Guardiola and Celtics manager Brendan Rodgers Picture: PA

According to Andy Townsend, Manchester City is greater than Chelsea and Arsenal, but not Celtic.

In tonight’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg, Pep Guardiola’s team has the opportunity to move one step closer to an incredible Double Treble, less than a year after becoming the first English team since Manchester United in 1999 to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and European Championship.

Despite their pursuit of a record Double Treble, Andy Townsend does not believe Pep Guardiola’s team is a worldwide powerhouse. teams ever. However, supporters and commentators in the south are still hesitant to classify the Blues, who are supported by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the king of Abu Dhabi, as one of the best teams in the world.

Townsend is one of those people who thinks a club’s standing is determined by its global appeal as well as its history spanning several decades. The folklore of the Republic of Ireland is also not persuaded that City and its English rivals, Manchester United and Liverpool, belong in the same sentence.

He clarified on talkSPORT, saying, “I think what makes a big club, having commented on matches all over the world, is that all you see when you show up in Johannesburg and places like that is the red of Liverpool and Man United. They are widely distributed. Liverpool are enormous in the Far East. The true essence of a large club, in my opinion, is its global, worldwide appeal—you can find your team’s colors even in the most remote locations.”

Despite having played for Chelsea, Townsend, 60, stated: “I think Manchester City is a bigger club than Arsenal right now. Chelsea, what about her? Once more, I would have to state that Chelsea is quite well-known due to their current winning streak. However, as of right now, I believe City to be a bigger team than Chelsea. However, it’s just an opinion. United and Liverpool are a little bit away.”

But when host Andy Goldstein pressed Townsend on whether City surpasses Celtic, he responded, “Celtic are a bigger club, probably.” Based on my previous statement regarding worldwide appeal, Celtic. You most likely do (you’ll need to go back 30, 40, or 50 years). We are discussing an issue here that City is unable to address.

They are now the best squad that everyone would like to be a part of because they are so brilliant. However, they now lack the worldwide popularity that United and Liverpool has. And it will require some time on their part.”