Manchester City, the Premier League heavyweights, sighted a league win and improve their performance in Europe following the appointment of high-profile Pep Guardiola as manager.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss, who won La Liga, Bundesliga and also prestigious Champions League title, welcomed the challenge to manage in Europe’s most competitive league with one of it’s greatest outfits of current times.
But the debut Premier League experience has been a steep learning curve for the Spaniard as he struggled to clinch the title despite a stunning start and finished third in the league that handed his side an opportunity to compete in the upcoming Champions League campaign following a disappointing Round of 16 exit against Monaco this term.
Players Who Impressed This Season
City boss Guardiola relied on a few highly-rated youngsters of Europe who did not disappoint for the Citizen. Leroy Sane, the 21-year old German international enjoyed an extremely successful campaign on the wings with 9 goals and 5 assists from 37 appearances altogether.
Gabriel Jesus, the 20-year old Brazilian, who joined them back in January from Palmeiras, became a first team regular in no time as he netted 7 and assisted 4 in 10 league appearances and even replaced Argentine goal machine Sergio Aguero in the starting lineup for a few weeks.
The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho exhibited consistency and enjoyed another productive campaign for Manchester City.
Players Who Disappointed The Most
A few new signings failed big time for the Citizens; Claudio Bravo, the Chilean custodian, was brought in from Barcelona for his ball-playing traits from the back, but the £17 million signing had a disastrous debut campaign as he lost his place to 35-year old veteran Willy Caballero following a series of error-prone displays.
English youngster John Stones struggled as well in the heart of City defence following his £50 mil move from Everton and now has a make or break campaign to regain the faith of his gaffer.
Season Status
Pep Guardiola’s first season in the Premier League highlighted inconsistency and unfulfilled expectations. He himself agreed to it and vowed to come back stronger with a greater will, grit, wit and determination.
City only finished third in the league, were knocked out from Champions League Round of 16 by Monaco and suffered a semifinal exit against Arsenal in FA Cup.
Thus, a campaign without silverware can be considered as a disappointment for Manchester City considering their spending record and star-studded lineup.
Areas Of Improvement
City need to strengthen their back-line as skipper Vincent Kompany spent another lengthy spell of time on the sidelines due to injury concerns. John Stones failed to live up to the expectations and Nicolas Otamendi often struggled due to lack of consistency.
Claudio Bravo, the Chilean custodian, had a dismal campaign and his deputy Willy Caballero has been released by the club. Joe Hart is not in Pep’s plans and the Spaniard has already secured the signing of £35 mil rated Benfica keeper Ederson Moraes.
Also, David Silva, the playmaker, is 31 and City found his long-term replacement in the form of Bernardo Silva, the Portuguese sensation who will join them on July 1 for a fee of £43.5 mil agreed with Monaco.
The release of Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna indicates a reconstruction of the back-line.
Expectations From 2017-18 Season
City are spending big once more and rebuilding their squad in order to achieve season goals that consist of a league triumph as well as a push for their maiden UEFA Champions League title under a tactician who has already been successful in Europe and showed his class by injecting attacking display of highest calibre.
