Joleon Lescott joined football fans for a unique opportunity to see six of the biggest prizes in club football, as TNT Sports brought a special one-day pop-up experience to Printworks.
Laura Hampson and Masom Jamalpour were the first fans to come face to face with the trophies having queued since 8.30am. They were pictured in front of the Premier League, Emirates FA Cup, Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League trophies.
Joleon was also pictured alongside the silverware that every club dreams of lifting and gave his thoughts about the upcoming football season which is about to get underway.
Firstly, he offered his thoughts about how Manchester City will perform in the FA Community Shield taking place at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday 16 August, which will be broadcast exclusively live on TNT Sports.
Joleon Lescott, TNT Sports pundit, said:
“I’ll say City are probably more in a position to win based on them having more players back than Arsenal and I think they have a stronger squad at the moment.
“Again, having said that, with Arsenal winning the league last year, you’d probably say they’re the favourites for that reason.”
Speaking about his former club, Manchester City, Joleon Lescott, TNT Sports pundit, said:
“I have no clue whether Rodri will leave before the start of the season! But it does look that way. There is such a lot of speculation around him and he has two of the biggest clubs in the world, fighting for his signature. So if he does decide to leave, then he’s a right to make that decision based on his performances and I’m sure the Premier League will miss him, but definitely the City fans appreciate what he’s done.”
On the new manager, Maresca, Joleon Lescott, TNT Sports pundit, said:
” Pep Guardiola is a hard man for any manager to follow. He is unique. It’s going to be difficult, it always will be.
“I think the club, Enzo, the players, all still believe they are competitive in the league and cup competitions.”
He spoke about what Elliot Anderson will bring to the team:
“Energy and quality. I think he’s a great signing. He’s young, will go on to develop and improve. I’m excited to see him because I think he’s someone who wears his heart on his sleeve and he can play a number of roles.”
Considering Haaland, Joleon Lescott, TNT Sports pundit, said:
“I think he will do the same as he’s always done. There’s no evidence to suggest he won’t score goals. I think it probably makes it a fairer fight with regards to the Golden Boot as he may miss a few games at the start of the season due to him having an extended break. I definitely believe he’ll be the man to beat regarding the Boot.”
Joleon Lescott, TNT Sports pundit, went on to discuss Manchester United’s upcoming season. He said:
“I think they’ll have a positive year. I’m not sure if they’re ready to compete for the title because they now also have to perform in the Champions League as well.
“I think if anyone can, he’s the one to get the best out of Marcus Rashford. I hope he does, generally for the sake of the Premier League and Rashford himself.
“I think he was a great acquisition in terms of making him the manager and they’re coming off the back of a positive season.
“I would expect Bruno Fernandes will live up to last season it because he’s a top world class player. It is going to be a lot more difficult because the scrutiny and the expectation for the Champion’s League will be there as well. He’s going to want to perform well in that and so there may be more rotation based on that.
“When you’re playing domestically, that is prioritised and you play one game week, but he’s going to be asked to play two games a week at the highest level. So, there will be some variations in games and form, but he’s expected to have a strong impact.”
He also compared the two main clubs and said:
“Both have the chance to make a big statement for different reasons. I think if United are competitive in the league, I think that’s a massive plus for them. Credit to Man City and the way they’ve gone about their business, even though Pep has left, they’re still expected to win, which is a great sign and a great place to be as a club.
“Obviously United have a bigger opportunity because they haven’t won Champion’s League or the Premier League in such a long time. So if they were to do either of them, it would be a bigger surprise.