Manchester City ahead of the new season: 5th title in a row, but also fatigue at the start of the season

Manchester City is undoubtedly the favourite to win the English number 1 title. Pep Guardiola and his squad have dominated 4 times in a row and are attacking for a 5th title in a row this year. The Citizens haven’t changed their squad much compared to last season, why should they? However, at the start of the season the Spaniard is missing mainstays playing in the European Championship, the challenge is not to rush their return.

• Manchester City have won the title 4 times in a row, now aiming for a 5th.
• The squad remains almost identical to last season
• Guardiola must work the late returners from the Euros in gradually or risk injury

Implementation team

The implementation team has remained the same as it was throughout last season. Guardiola has assistants Carlos Vicens and, since last year, Juanmmo Lillo with him. However, the Spanish strategist is only under contract until the end of this season and his departure may wake the Manchester City owner from his slumber.

Defence

Long negotiations were dragged out by the Citizens management over Ederson’s departure with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad and later Al-Nasr. In the end, the Brazilian goalkeeper stayed loyal to the Manchester Blue and will form a goalkeeping duo with Stefano Ortega. The German goalkeeper worked his magic in goal when the Brazilian was injured, and it is only to him that fans can thank for the title.

In defence, the stone remains exactly the same. The returning Joao Cancelo is back in the summer training. However, the Portuguese continues to be linked with Catalan Barcelona, who are interested in him. The team, which has conceded 34 goals in 38 games, doesn’t need to change much in the back line.

Backup

The best player of the European championship and fresh European champion Rodri reigns at the sixth position. Guardiola has exactly 0 reasons to change the Spaniard. Granted, there is no adequate replacement for him, but which top player would also want to sit on the bench behind the very best player in that position?

The departure of Bernardo Silva has been in the air for some time, but the Portuguese is ultimately staying. Phil Foden is still resting after a tough tournament and the coaching staff is thinking about how to replace him. A successful start to the season could mean an early injury. How will the position in the squad change for Kevin de Bruyne? If we take into account last season, we can expect a gradual decline in minutes, but the Belgian will be on the set at key moments.

Attack

Erling Haaland didn’t have his best season last year. With 27 goals, he may have topped the Premier League scorers table, but he has a lot to work on. He has scored 63 goals in 66 games in England so far. His only signing is Sávio from Troyes. The Brazilian cost Manchester City a ridiculous 25 million euros. Last season he was a guest at Girona, where he scored 11 goals and 10 assists.

The position of Jack Grealish is debatable as he didn’t play much last season. In addition, in recent days there are leaks about Saudi Arabia’s interest, the Englishman may pay for the transfer of Sávio and his minutes played may drop even further. The loss is of course the departure of Julian Alvarez, the Argentine had a fantastic season in which he registered 19 goals and 13 assists.

City’s ideal line-up:

Ederson

Walker – Akanji – Dias – Guardiola

De Bruyne – Rodri – Silva

Foden – Haaland – Doku

Positioning tip: 1.

Source: Transfermarkt