Shaun Wright-Phillips believes that Manchester City has managed their financial success more effectively than Chelsea over the past couple of decades.
Both clubs, set to clash today, experienced a rapid transformation from financial struggles to immense wealth, with Roman Abramovich acquiring Chelsea in 2003 and Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group taking control of City in 2008.
Over the years, both clubs have accumulated trophies prolifically, leaving their competitors comparatively lacking in silverware.
Since Pep Guardiola assumed leadership at the Etihad in 2016, City has consistently outperformed Chelsea, securing 13 major honors in that period—seven more than Chelsea’s total.
Wright-Phillips, who played for both teams during the initial stages of their takeovers, emphasizes that City’s strategic plan for European football dominance was evident from the outset, whereas Chelsea’s approach seemed somewhat chaotic.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Star Sport, the former England international highlighted City’s prudent use of funds, player acquisitions, infrastructure development from the academy to the stadium, and the overall improvement of the Manchester area.
Wright-Phillips stated, “The longevity and how well they’re doing still is so impressive. Not to take anything away from the way Chelsea did everything. I thought Roman did everything right for the club, but the difference is with City they’re doing it year after year after year, and that’s not something that comes easy. The mental challenges behind that and knowledge of the club to keep getting better and bigger.”
The majority of City’s trophies since the takeover have been secured during the Guardiola era, showcasing the club’s long-term planning and trust in the process. Despite starting their journey five years later, City is now just one trophy behind Chelsea’s overall tally of 19.
Wright-Phillips, who returned to City just before the Abu Dhabi United Group’s takeover, affirmed that the owners’ vision was clear from the beginning. He acknowledged the rapid progress facilitated by managers like Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini, and Mark Hughes, ultimately praising Pep Guardiola as one of the best managers the Premier League has ever seen.
Beginning his career at City in 1999, Wright-Phillips made over 180 appearances before joining Chelsea in 2005. Although he achieved success at Stamford Bridge, he returned to City in 2008, experiencing challenges due to the influx of players post-takeover. Subsequent stints at QPR and in the United States followed before his retirement in 2017.
As City, the favourites for a fifth successive Premier League title, prepare to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the two clubs stand at different points in their trajectories, with City poised for continued success and Chelsea aiming to build on their recent triumph over Tottenham.
Manchester City performance and stats
Manchester City is currently 1st in the Premier League with 27 points.
In the last 11 games, it has won 9 times and lost twice. In its last match, Manchester City won 6-1 against AFC Bournemouth.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 28 goals and conceding 8.
Manchester City will play the next match in Premier League against Chelsea on Sunday 12th of November in London. The prediction is Manchester City winning the match.
Chelsea performance and stats
Chelsea is currently 10th in the Premier League with 15 points.
In the last 11 games, it has won 4 times, drawn 3 times, and lost 4 times. In its last match, Chelsea won 1-4 against Tottenham Hotspur.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 17 goals and conceding 12.
Chelsea will play the next match in Premier League against Manchester City on Sunday 12th of November in London. The prediction is Manchester City winning the match.