This is the story of a modern-day Premier League football club that built a new philosophy that could continue even without the guardian.
Pep Guardiola moved to the Cityzens in 2017 after announcing he would not continue with Bayern Munich the following season after he had won the UEFA Super Cup, Bundesliga and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Man City new owners, the City Football Group, had in mind the need to establish a strong team that could cope even without Guardiola after he had created the foundation.
Since 2019, Guardiola has played more midfielders as his goal-scoring means other than a natural forward. He has been successful with it is so far.
At the moment, Manchester City boasts of having one of the youngest squads in the English Premier League, averaging 20 to 30 years for the few older players on the list.
The club has shifted its focus on hunting already established in the transfer market to a more futuristic approach by breaking little charge to sign youngsters.
What are the Cityzens and the owners looking at? Even without Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, with the current players in the first team, could win significant trophies just with the right person in the stands.
The shift to the future
Man City, backed by the City Football Group, has what it takes to bring the best legs worldwide from top names like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and even Jude Bellingham.
City wants the best young players, not necessarily from the Academy but from clubs with bright futures. Perhaps, the latest name on the club’s radar Erling Haaland, could be the primary target as a direct replacement for Sergio Agüero.
Man City’s defence isn’t deteriorating with the advent of young players like Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Aké, and Rúben Dias. The midfield also has some strength, even though more additions are expected to be made.
The City’s midfield and the attack would still need reinforcement for the future due to the ageing veterans who have continued to lay siege. Young players like Phil Foden has proven to be worthy trustees for the future.
Manchester City’s only uncertainties remain Pep Guardiola’s future, whose current contract with the club runs until 2023 with no talks yet of an extension.
However, a change is expected to happen regarded the future of the Spaniard who’s has won the Premier League title consecutive with the Cityzens amid tough competition from the likes of Liverpool, Man United, and Chelsea.
More or so, the arrival of the South American king at Boca Juniors Julián Álvarez is expected to increase the city’s attack options even as Haaland’s dream move continues to linger in the European media.
What would Man City’ philosophy look like even after the departure of Pep Guardiola, or would the Spaniard remain with the club until he quits coaching? More questions than answers for the club.
Manchester City’s top players:
Until 2027: João Cancelo (27), Jack Grealish (26) and Rúben Dias (24)
Until 2026: John Stones (27), Ederson (28), Cole Palmer (19) and Kayky (18)
Until 2025: Kevin De Bruyne (30), Aymeric Laporte (27), Nathan Aké (26), Zack Steffen (26) and Bernardo Silva (27)
Until 2024: Kyle Walker (31), Oleksandr Zinchenko (25), Rodri (25) and Phil Foden (21)
Until 2023: Ilkay Gundogan (31), Raheem Sterling (27), Riyad Mahrez (30) and Gabriel Jesus (24)*
Until 2022: Scott Carson (36) and Fernandinho (36)
Manchester City’s philosophy is about winning and dominating the English football scene while extending beyond that to the European and world stage. Even though Guardiola is yet to win a European trophy with the Cityzens, he has built a strong team for the future.
