Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed his top picks for this season's UEFA Champions League title contenders, notably excluding heavyweights like Real Madrid and Manchester City. Instead, Ferdinand has singled out Liverpool and FC Barcelona as his favorites to claim the prestigious trophy.
### Ferdinand’s Top Choices
While acknowledging Inter Milan’s impressive campaign, Ferdinand confidently backed Barcelona and Liverpool to lead the charge in Europe. He gave a slight advantage to the Catalan giants, praising their ability to thrive under pressure and secure vital victories against formidable opponents such as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid under the leadership of their German coach, Hansi Flick.
“Both teams are playing incredible football,” Ferdinand noted. “However, Barcelona’s recent performances, especially against Bayern and Madrid, have been extraordinary. They’ve shown resilience and a quality worthy of a Champions League final.”
### Liverpool’s Consistency
Liverpool also earned Ferdinand’s praise for their attacking prowess and consistency throughout the group stages under the management of Arne Slot. While Ferdinand ranks Bayern Munich as his third favorite, he recognized the German club’s strong form in this year’s competition.
### A Bold Prediction
Ferdinand’s picks are sure to ignite discussions among fans, particularly as Real Madrid and Manchester City remain serious contenders for the title. Whether his predictions hold true or spark controversy, Barcelona and Liverpool will be teams to watch as the Champions League progresses.