Pep Guardiola: Challenge of Rebuilding the Manchester City Team After Signing a New Contract

Pep Guardiola extends his contract with Manchester City, facing the challenge of rebuilding the team as key players experience age-related decline.

Pep Guardiola has been tasked with the significant challenge of reorganizing Manchester City after accepting a contract extension, as seven key players are in a state of "natural decline" at the Etihad. Guardiola has secured six Premier League titles during his tenure with the club, including the latest four, and also led City to their first Champions League trophy. The Spaniard was set to depart the team at the season's end, but earlier this week, he signed a one-year extension, with an option for another year, keeping him at the helm until the end of the 2026/2027 season. Consequently, this means he will be initiating a considerable team overhaul, with several older players like Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson being linked to potential departures.

Alan Shearer highlighted seven members of Guardiola’s squad who are considered "in a state of natural decline" and believes it's a daunting task for the current group to capture the Premier League title again. Speaking to Betfair, the ex-Newcastle striker noted, “When reviewing their current squad, you have Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, Kyle Walker, Ederson, and even John Stones all over the age of 30, so one might argue a significant portion of their squad is in a state of natural decline.

However, it could also be argued that some of their competitive spirit might have waned, as many of these players have been remarkably successful, and regardless of who or what you are, it's challenging to maintain that drive repeatedly. They've done it numerous times now, so it's a substantial challenge for them to rebound and push forward again, and only time will tell. They also have to navigate the off-field accusations brought against the club, and the questions those raise.

Many might assert that the current allegations hovering over City shouldn't impact the players on the pitch, 'they just have to go out and play,' and I comprehend that, but in reality, what's happening at the top of the football club eventually permeates down to the on-field matters. It shouldn't, but it often does. Having said all that, if you were to ask me whether they'd be there or thereabouts by season's end, my response would be yes.”