In football, it is often said that ‘the winning formula should not be changed’. However, with a coach who always has creative ideas like Pep Guardiola, nothing is constant.
Etihad needs new motivation
The historic treble last season helped Man City enter a whole new chapter. They officially joined the ranks of the elite European teams and received the respect they deserved with their great potential.
It is the result of many years of building and developing the team. Of course, the huge investment from UAE owners is the main factor that helps Man City reach out. However, it is undeniable that the Etihad Stadium team has an effective strategy to become a real force not only in the English Premier League but throughout Europe. For comparison, Paris Saint Germain has also spent a lot of money, but up to this point, the French giants have not been able to rise to the top as desired.
Pep Guardiola is the “architect” who built the Man City empire with the great treble. The Spanish military leader with his talent effectively took advantage of resources from “investors” and successfully implemented a project of a lifetime. But reaching the top is difficult, maintaining that position is even more difficult. After a very successful season, many people feel that Man City does not need to change anything to continue to conquer the next challenges. They had a perfect squad with the best people in the world and a genius leader.
Pep doesn’t think so. The Spaniard did not celebrate his achievements for too long, but immediately entered the rebuilding of the squad. He understands that one of the most important things for Man City to continue the winning habit is that his students have to keep the desire after reaching the peak of glory. To do that, the team needs new sources of motivation. That is why Man City is willing to let many key stars leave and welcome back to Etihad with motivated rookies.
Pep’s new “components”
There will be a lot of changes in Pep Guardiola’s squad next season. At the beginning of the transfer season, Man City parted ways with the god Ilkay Gundogan and replaced the German midfielder with Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic. Of course, that’s not the first change.
Information on the transfer market shows that the Etihad Stadium team is ready to replace many players who played a very important role in the treble campaign last season. Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, Kyle Walker and Aymeric Laporte have all been contacted by various clubs. If receiving a reasonable transfer fee, Man City is ready to part with these players.
The common point of people who can leave Etihad is that they are all around the age of 30 or more. Kyle Walker was 33 years old (born in 1990), Riyah Mahrez was born in 1991, and Bernardo Silva and Aymeric Laporte were both born in 1994. The first to leave, Ilkay Gundogan was also born in 1990. These players have all run out of room to develop and fill the title with Man City, which leads to questions about their motivation to play and their desire to win the next season.
The replacement of the aforementioned group of players is not simply a matter of “rejuvenating the squad”. In fact, first rookie Mateo Kovacic is the same age as Bernardo Silva and Aymeric Laporte. The Croatian midfielder also has no shortage of titles in Real Madrid and Chelsea colors. However, Kovacic can give Man City something new in the game because of his unique skills.
Kovacic’s compatriot, the most highly rated young defender in the world Josko Gvardiol is also on his way to Man City. According to the media, Gvardiol will break the transfer record for a central defender when he arrives at Etihad. As a left-footed defensive expert, the player born in 2002 will be the ideal piece for Pep Guardiola’s defense.
Kyle Walker can be replaced by Benjamin Pavard, the 2018 World Cup winner on the payroll of Bayern Munich. Besides, Man City is also targeting Barca midfielder Raphinha to be ready in case Riyad Mahrez leaves. These players not only come to Man City to fill the void left behind, but they are also interesting “components” for Pep to continue tinkering and researching to create a new winning machine.
According to the British press, Man City has accepted to pay RB Leipzig more than £ 100 million to get the signature of defender Josko Gvardiol. This transfer amount will make the midfielder in 2002 the most expensive defender in the world, breaking the record of £ 80 million that Manchester United spent to buy Harry Maguire in 2019. Gvardiol emerged from the 2022 World Cup, making a big contribution to bringing the Croatian team to 3rd place overall. The presence of this young defender will pave the way for Kyle Walker and Aymeric Laporte to leave the Etihad Stadium.