Manchester City News: UEFA Champions League Future Success

Manchester City fought until the last minute of the 2012 season in order to win the Barclay's Premier League title, yet the squad has come under much criticism for being unable to live up to expectations. Whether the argument involves barely beating a historically weak United side, or winning solely due to massive spending, everyone seems to have a criticism of Manchester's blue side.

As a city fan, I was ecstatic as I watched Aguero secure the title, yet in my moments of panic, I began to wonder about the future of the club. I could not be more pleased with Roberto Mancini, and I have the utmost faith in him to guide the Etihad side to future success, but I was not thrilled with the way City played in Europe.

The Champions League campaign was over as soon as it started, with City suffering a group-stage knockout to Bayern Munich and Napoli. The group was undoubtedly one of the hardest in the tournament; yet I (and most City fans), was expecting City to emerge on top.

City then entered the Europa League, where they continued to come up short. For a side that had aspirations of winning the Champions League, failing to make the final in the Europa League was a massive disappointment.

So, how will City change this upcoming season?

The first change that will be made is the team's collective confidence. Although the quick exit from European play was damaging, City will come back with more determination then ever. The squad flexed their muscles in England, and I fully expect them to carry that Premier League success into next seasons Champion's League.

The second change made by the citizens will be a physical change of the squad. City managed a handful of new signings in the window, most of whom arrived on deadline day. Although many City fans were displeased to see a front-page-headline player arrive, I for one was very pleased with the transfer tactics.

The incoming players provide substantial depth which will be crucial in European play. Young players like Jack Rodwell, Scott Sinclair, and Javi Garcia all have the potential to grow and develop into world-class talents. Despite his age, Maicon has the opportunity to become a staple defender in the City starting eleven, and will be able to provide a sense of European experience that was lacking in the squad last year.

The signings don't seem to have the same star power as Aguero and Nasri did last year, but City needs European-caliber depth more than anything else.

How will City cope with the Champions League "Group of Death" draw?

City will face Real Madrid, Ajax, and Borussia Dortmund in a group that features the Spanish, Dutch, and German champions respectively. This is the second year in a row that the Etihad side have felt blue after the draw, but I expect the fate of the citizens to improve this season.

It is no secret that City will have to fight for every single point in this group, but the quality of the side leaves me confident that it can be done. My personal prediction for this group would see Real finish first, while City advances in second.

The fate of Manchester City is now in the hands of Mancini and the squad. Ability and talent are plentiful at the Etihad, but it now becomes a question of mentality. If City can keep the mentality of Champions, they will have a chance to be crowned in Europe.