Premier League Defending Champions Struggle in Pre-Season, Despite Victory Over Last Year’s Champions

In this year’s pre-season campaign, Manchester City have suffered consecutive losses against Celtic and AC Milan. In the past ten years, Premier League defending champions participating in pre-season matches have achieved a total record of 30 wins, 3 draws, and 12 losses. In comparison, this year’s Manchester City has struggled the most.

In the 2015 pre-season, Premier League defending champions Chelsea performed impressively with 7 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, losing only to Werder Bremen and Besiktas.

In the 2016 pre-season, Premier League defending champions Leicester City remained undefeated with 4 wins and 1 draw.

In the 2017 pre-season, Premier League defending champions Chelsea achieved 5 wins and 2 losses, including victories over Liverpool and AC Milan, but lost to FK Austria Wien and Real Madrid.

In the 2018 pre-season, Premier League defending champions Manchester City achieved 3 wins and 2 losses. Although they lost to their city rivals Manchester United, they also defeated Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United.

In the 2019 pre-season, Premier League defending champions Manchester City achieved 1 win and 2 losses, despite defeats to Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, their victory over Bayern Munich salvaged some pride.

In the 2020 pre-season, Premier League defending champions Liverpool achieved 3 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, losing to Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla, and Napoli.

In the 2022 pre-season, Premier League defending champions Manchester City won all three matches, although their opponents were generally weaker.

In the 2023 pre-season, Premier League defending champions Manchester City achieved two consecutive victories, including one over Bayern Munich.

In the 2024 pre-season, Premier League defending champions Manchester City achieved 2 wins and 1 loss, including a victory over Bayern Munich, but lost to Atlético Madrid.