City Desperate for Victory Against Feyenoord as Defender Hancko Eyes Premier League Audition
Manchester City face a must-win Champions League clash on Tuesday against Feyenoord, as Pep Guardiola’s men look to halt a disastrous run of five consecutive defeats across all competitions.
David Hancko: Feyenoord’s Defensive Rock
One player who will be key to Feyenoord’s ambitions at the Etihad is Slovakian defender David Hancko, who has drawn significant interest from Premier League giants. Over the summer, both Manchester United and Liverpool were reportedly eyeing Hancko after his standout performances for Slovakia at EURO 2024.
Hancko played a pivotal role under Arne Slot, helping Feyenoord clinch both the Eredivisie title and the Dutch Cup. His versatility as a centre-back and left-back made him an attractive option for several clubs.
- Liverpool had been considering Hancko as a backup option, with Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah linked to potential moves away from Anfield.
- Manchester United, after splurging on Matthijs De Ligt and Leny Yoro, saw Hancko as a cost-effective alternative to reinforce their defense.
However, no deal materialized, and Hancko remained at Feyenoord, where he has become a key figure under new manager Brian Priske.
Feyenoord’s Strong Away Form
Currently just one point behind Manchester City in Group D, Feyenoord will arrive in Manchester with confidence, having won both of their away fixtures so far:
- A thrilling 3-2 victory over Girona in Spain.
- A commanding 3-1 triumph against Benfica in Lisbon.
Despite a dip in their domestic form following Slot’s departure, Feyenoord know a win against City could see them leapfrog the Premier League champions in the standings.
Hancko’s Chance to Shine Against Haaland
Hancko faces the daunting task of neutralizing Erling Haaland, who will be determined to rediscover his form after scoring just two goals in his last seven league matches. For Hancko, this matchup is more than just about Feyenoord’s progression—it’s a chance to showcase his quality to Premier League clubs.
If Hancko manages to keep Haaland quiet, he could reignite interest from United, Liverpool, or other top clubs in January. However, for City, failure to break their losing streak could deepen their crisis, particularly with a crucial Premier League showdown against Liverpool looming on Sunday.
The stakes are high at the Etihad, with City battling to regain momentum and Feyenoord looking to capitalize on their rivals’ struggles.
