Pep Guardiola’s move to the Etihad was a dream move for the former champions of England, Manchester City. With the Premier League season starting soon, here’s taking a look at how the team would possibly change certain elements and which ones will remain the same. City’s goalkeeper Joe Hart is one of the best in the league, and City would retain him, despite reports of a Liverpool switch surfacing recently. Guardiola might introduce a younger and capable goalkeeper in the squad to ensure that there is some competition for Hart’s spot, which would be the only explanation as to why Marc-Andre ter Stegen moving to City rumours are flying about.
When it comes to the full-backs, Bacary Sagna is very consistent and is physically fit and athletic. He will be a positive influence in this side. Aaron Cresswell is strongly linked, and Sime Vrsaljko could be a good potential addition. Pablo Zabaleta has been a brilliant player but his injury can lead to a bad season, and also a move to Italy seems to be on the cards for him.
Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi have both been under a lot of criticism in the last season, so eyes will be on them to see how they fare, especially after a hike in fees and contract renewal. Vincent Kompany cannot be the only reliable one in this area, and Guardiola might need to get in more reinforcements, or change the existing players’ positions a bit.
Fernandinho will definitely be in Guardiola’s first team list. He is efficient and pit up an impressive display on the European stage. Unfortunately for Yaya Toure, he is merely a shadow of his former self and has been criticised for the same in some quarters. Guardiola will need a significant signing or two in midfield.
Kevin de Bruyne will be an asset for Guardiola, as he has proven time and again that he has physical and mental needed, and also a flair of versatility. David Silva has paved the way for so much of City’s best work that he should easily see another campaign at least. Raheem Sterling had his moments under Manuel Pellegrini, and it remains to be seen how Guardiola goes forward with him.
As far as Samir Nasri is concerned, he spent a lot of last season on the sidelines, and that certainly does not work in his favour. Similarly, Jesus Navas is extremely hard-working, but ultimately if the end product is lacking, then he’s surely not worth it.
Sergio Aguero will be going nowhere, and neither will Kelechi Iheanacho. His emergence was perhaps the best thing about City’s play last season, with 13 goals arriving despite starting just 10 games.
To ensure that Aguero doesn’t get too complacent, Guardiola would do well to sign some experienced competition for him.
With so many skilled and top-class managers competing at the EPL this season, Guardiola would not want to be left behind and will need to stock up on good players or nurture the ones that already exist to put up a good fight for the trophy.
