Man City season preview: Jack Grealish brings mystique as Pep Guardiola reloads in pursuit of perfection
The Cityzens return as champions, but the heartache from Porto provides added motivation to retain their exceptional standards
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Last season
Manchester City come off the back of a phenomenal season in the Premier League, a relentless run since Christmas discarding the competition as they romped home by 12 points.
There was a bitter taste left from defeat in Porto to Chelsea in the Champions League final, ensuring the elusive European crown remains tantalisingly out of reach.
The EFL Cup, as it usually does, sits prominently again at the Etihad, though a domestic treble ended at the hands of Chelsea, as one of their three losses to the Blues in the final six weeks of the season.
Transfer window so far
Jack Grealish arrives for £100m from Aston Villa with a sense of intrigue surrounding his role under Pep Guardiola. A maverick player, the Spanish tactician obviously has a detailed plan to elevate Grealish’s game, which will be fascinating to witness. Brazilian starlet Kayky arrives from Fluminense for £9m, with the surprise signing of Scott Carson on a free transfer to bolster City’s homegrown contingent. Angelino departs on a permanent deal to Leipzig for a handy £16m, with Jack Harrison completing a permanent move to Leeds for £11.5m. Young striker Lukas Nmecha moves to Wolfsburg for £7m. And finally Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia both joined Barcelona on free transfers.
Manager
Grealish’s arrival, with movement on Harry Kane still slow, begs the question as to what Pep Guardiola will do next with Sergio Aguero exiting the club on a free transfer. Gabriel Jesus does not appear to be assured of a role in the line-up, which could see Kevin De Bruyne or Phil Foden utilised through the middle as a false nine. Raheem Sterling’s resurgence with England also brings intrigue. The quality of the squad means City remain formidable and destined for another title, but the invention of Guardiola and how Grealish develops brings a mysterious element to City this season.
Key player
Back to his menacing best and able to run games with ease, De Bruyne’s versatility and immense desire to succeed on the pitch lifts him above his star-studded teammates. Allowed to thrive as a No 8, perhaps at times alongside Grealish, will be glorious to watch. Guardiola must ensure there are enough targets to pivot off the brilliant Belgian’s forays from deep; whether some of those materialise with the arrival of Kane remains to be seen. Without the England forward, there will be greater emphasis than ever for De Bruyne to sparkle and drag City back to the brink of glory both at home and on the continent.
What would be success?
Another title would be nice, but after crippling defeat to domestic rivals Chelsea, Pep Guardiola’s appetite to claim another European title is greater than ever. To label anything but a maiden Champions League title as a failure would be harsh, so another Premier League title, fending off renewed bids from Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, would suffice.
Predicted first XI line-up
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Cancelo; Rodri; Mahrez, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish; Jesus
First three Premier League fixtures
(a) v Tottenham, Sunday August 15, 4.30pm
(h) v Norwich, Saturday August 21, 3pm
(h) v Arsenal, Saturday August 28, 12.30pm
Bookies’ ranking
1st (4/6 favourites for the title)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments