Manchester City stars surprised their fans and viewers on TNT Sports by turning up for their Champions League clash with Young Boys on Wednesday by wearing an interestingly designed cardigan and jean combination. The likes of Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish were among those to don the “horrendous” outfit as they stepped off the team bus into the Wankdorf Stadium.
They were spotted in the City and Dsquared2 cardigans that featured a patch of the fashion brand on the front, coupled with a City armband and completed by baggy jeans and each player’s name on the back.
When asked what he thought of City’s pre-match outfits, pundit Joe Cole said: “Unacceptable. The gaffer got out first and he looked like the milk tray man, looks brilliant. I don’t care how many trebles you win, you’ve got to sort the gear out. It’s horrendous.”
Former City defender Joleon Lescott was also unable to defend the choices made by the team in Switzerland: “When it doesn’t look good on Jack Grealish, then I’m like yeah…”
City partnered with the fashion brand in May but their range of cardigans did not appear to go down too well with the pundits ahead of their trip to Young Boys, though boss Pep Guardiola was allowed to wear his usual outfit and did not join in with the squad.
In their statement announcing the multi-year partnership with Dsquared2, it was confirmed that the “innovative cool denim” would be worn by players as they travel to Champions League games.
In part, the statement explained: “In July, Manchester City launched its new badge, a modern-original that combines fans’ favourite elements from across the Club’s history with a modern finish.
“With this in mind, the new Dsquared2 uniform, which Manchester City’s players will wear is inspired by the Club’s rich heritage; mixing Italian and English tailoring codes with modern touches.”
Though the players did not seem to take any issue with their pre-match outfits, the reaction seems to have taken many by surprise – including pundits Cole and Lescott who were shellshocked when watching the footage.