As Pep Guardiola prepared for the new season, he quickly realized that Man City would face disadvantages right from the start.
“We won’t just be slow to get into the game against Man United in the Community Shield but also in the matches against Chelsea and Ipswich,” he said. “We will start sluggishly. The problem is trying not to drop too many points and performing well despite not having a full squad because the players need rest.”
Under Guardiola, Man City has always prioritized allowing players to rest as much as possible between seasons. Most of the players who played a key role in helping the team win their fourth consecutive Premier League title had to exert themselves in EURO 2024. Rodri and his Spain team won the championship, while four Man City players with the England team had to settle for second place.
As a result, Guardiola has to start the 2024/25 season without key stars like Rodri and Phil Foden, who won the Premier League Player of the Season award last year.
While the list of absent players is clear, it is difficult to predict who Pep will rely on to replace them. Erling Haaland is eager to start the season after a carefree summer due to Norway’s absence from EURO, while Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic’s early exit from the tournament also benefits Man City.
Additionally, Guardiola has worked to lift Jack Grealish’s spirits after his disappointment with the England team, while also challenging Rico Lewis to secure a starting spot in the absence of veteran players. Lewis had a breakout two seasons ago when Man City achieved a treble, but he was pushed out of the lineup in the second half of last season when Kyle Walker became a crucial part of Guardiola’s tactics.
Both Grealish and Lewis have performed so well that they have been recalled to the England squad due to their impressive displays at Man City. Although Walker, Foden, and some other players have yet to find their rhythm, Guardiola’s gamble on players with abundant energy has paid off.
Despite Liverpool currently leading the Premier League after seven rounds, Man City is only one point behind, after having faced Arsenal and played away at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea and St. James’ Park against Newcastle.
After two months into the season, although it’s unfortunate that Rodri has to miss the rest of the season due to a torn ligament, the England players are now ready to contribute more to Man City. However, they will have to compete with Grealish and Lewis, who have both shown impressive form. Both players will undoubtedly hope to start when Man City faces Wolves this weekend.
Challenges have never stopped following Guardiola. However, in any circumstance, the Spanish strategist always knows how to overcome them through careful planning, belief, and especially his talent for managing players. Now, he is fully focused on the goal of leading Man City to their fifth consecutive Premier League title.