Foden’s right man for Pep’s new title challenge
WHEN Liverpool win the Premier League, City will graciously hand their title over to Jurgen Klopp’s men and congratulate them on their near perfect response to finishing second last season.
Inside, though, Pep Guardiola and his staff will already be planning how to make sure they win the trophy back next season. And this is their blueprint...
■ REPLACE DEPARTED PLAYERS
IT’S a clear issue that has blighted City all season – they did not bring in a replacement for Vincent Kompany last summer.
Guardiola has no option but to sign a defender this summer after seeing injuries and form cause issues at the back. Fernandinho has offered some experience in an unnatural position, but John Stones and Eric Garcia will need a vocal leader next season. ■ START TO TRUST FODEN GUARDIOLA has already hinted that Phil Foden will be the one to replace David Silva. It will be a popular decision, but the Blues boss will know Foden cannot do everything Silva has done for City
in recent years. To help prepare the teenager for that challenge, Guardiola could do worse than use the remaining 13 Premier League games to give him more experience of regular top-flight football.
For all his time spent around the first-team squad, Foden will need easing into his new role when Silva leaves. That process should start as soon as the winter break ends.
■ MAKE A DECISION ON PROBLEM PLAYERS
FOR two seasons, City have been forced to find stop-gaps at left-back to cover for Benjamin Mendy’s injuries.
There is clearly a regular firstteam player in there, but if he is constantly injured then how long do the Blues persist with him?
City can’t afford another season of waiting for Mendy to get fit, so Guardiola must decide whether to persist with the Frenchman, or cut his losses and buy a new left-back.
The same goes for Leroy Sane, who continues to be linked with Bayern Munich, and John Stones after a season where he has struggled to keep his place in the team. City will need everyone on the same page if they are to win their title back.
■ GIVE NEW SIGNINGS TIME
CITY look set to buy over the summer, and they only have to look at their last spending spree to learn an important lesson.
Many of the players who come into Guardiola’s side need time to adapt to the new demands and system that runs through the club.
Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez and Rodri all had slow starts to their City careers, so Guardiola must account for any new additions this summer taking time to settle in as well.
Guardiola has to manage any new signings well.