Coach Pep Guardiola affirmed that there is reason to be optimistic at Manchester City, despite a difficult campaign that forced the reigning Premier League champions to fight for a top 4 spot.
After the 1-0 win over Tottenham, Guardiola has outlined what he believes is a "bright future" at the Etihad. Spurs' 3 points on the field helped The Citizens rise to fourth place, 1 point above Chelsea, with 11 remaining matches. "Young players and new players that Man City may sign in the summer - in the next transfer window - must lead this club for the next few years" - the Spanish strategist said.
"I see a bright future. With the help of Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake, they are the future of this club in the coming years, along with others who will come in the following transfer window," Guardiola said after the 0-2 loss to Liverpool.
Guardiola and Man City's new football director Hugo Viana are facing a rebuild in the summer as they plot their way back to the top. There is a group of stars to build around and some interesting young players with great potential. However, there are also decisions to be made for a number of players, including Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract expires in the summer.
A good thing for Man City is that they don't have to rebuild from scratch. Erling Haaland has signed a huge contract until 2034. And Phil Foden - who has made more than 300 appearances for the club before the age of 25, has shown no desire to leave the Etihad.
In addition to those two players, defender Ruben Dias has been an important part of Man City's success since joining in 2020. The Portuguese international is also a voice in the squad. Dias has struggled to get into form and fitness this season - like many of his teammates - but is still only 27 years old and a strong figure in the dressing room. Dias could take on a more prominent role if other key players in Man City's defence leave.
Man City's insiders have long believed that Rodri will one day want to return to Spain. However, speculation has subsided and there is hope that the midfielder can return as soon as possible.
The significant investment in Omar Marmoush in January means that this player will also be a part of Man City's future. The Egyptian, signed for £60 million from Eintracht Frankfurt, has had a positive start despite Man City's declining form.
"This season, especially in the two main tournaments, we have not played well. And that is the reality. We have not been able to qualify for the round of 16 of the Champions League for the first time since I arrived here.
In the Premier League, we no longer have a chance to win the championship when the new season has gone through 2/3 of the journey. That never happened. A bad season," Guardiola added.
