5 Things for Manchester City Fans to Look Forward to in 2016/17 Season
Manchester City’s final season under Manuel Pellegrini ended in disappointing fashion. The Chilean failed to meet expectations in the Premier League, with City stumbling into the UEFA Champions League next season after finishing fourth, ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United by virtue of goal difference.
It was abject failure in the league, but their Capital One Cup win and run to the semi-finals of the Champions League improved the picture somewhat. Overall, though, they underwhelmed and left an impression that their squad is need of a refresh.
And it’s likely to get one. Pep Guardiola will officially take over at City on July 1, and deals for new players are likely to be in motion already. It could be a summer of significant change at the Etihad Stadium.
There’s plenty for City fans to look forward to in the coming season. Here are five things to get excited about ahead of the 2016/17 campaign.
1. The Guardiola Effect
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Despite what some may say, Pellegrini’s tenure wasn’t a complete disaster. His first season saw him deliver the club’s first league-and-cup double, and this season he oversaw genuine progress in the Champions League, which was one of his main objectives when given the job.
However, there were clear limitations, none more so than his inability to rouse the fans and create positivity around the club. His press conferences were straight and often dour. City, with all their strength off the pitch, should be far more bullish.
Pellegrini’s ability to play everything down was exactly what the club needed after the turbulence of Roberto Mancini’s time in charge—but they now need something more box office. Guardiola, also respectful and dignified but with more character and influence, will certainly deliver in that area.
2. Added Intensity
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One thing that defines Guardiola’s teams is the intensity with which they play. They move the ball quickly and attack in numbers, and when they lose the ball, they chase high up the pitch, pressing hard, determined to reclaim possession.
The City squad will get a shock in pre-season. Guardiola is likely to bring in his trusted fitness coach, Lorenzo Buenaventura, and he will work the players hard to prepare them for a more dynamic style of play.
Pellegrini’s side this season were often underwhelming, lacking pace and desire. That will not happen under the Spaniard.
3. Derby Day Reinvigorated
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Manchester derbies always mean a lot to the fans of both United and City, but there was a lack of feeling for this season’s matches.
United played sterile football under Louis van Gaal, and City were regressing under Pellegrini, with many of the supporters becoming frustrated and disillusioned. Some fans commented after the game at the Etihad this season that it was the least tense and atmospheric derby day in many years.
Now, with United set to hire Jose Mourinho to go head to head with Guardiola, the Manchester derbies will be the most eagerly anticipated matches of the Premier League season. The rhetoric beforehand will be explosive—and the games will follow suit.
4. New Players
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The City squad is in need of some surgery. It’s too old and lacks certain qualities that Guardiola will demand. An overhaul would be an exaggeration, but expect around five new faces to arrive.
Defenders will be key, with City’s back line too easy to breach. Young stars such as Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Danny Rose would seem to fit the bill.
And Guardiola is likely to want new midfielders. His sides are known for their desire to keep possession and pass the opposition to death. At present, City don’t have the players to pull that style off.
Ilkay Gundogan? Toni Kroos? Thiago Alcantara? These are the kind of midfielders the new manager will want—but can he land them?
5. Exciting New Chapter
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It’s been fascinating to watch City’s development since their takeover in 2008.
Roberto Mancini brought success, and Pellegrini continued it. A clean sweep of domestic honours, regular Champions League football and some of the game’s best players—it’s totally different from what went before.
But there can be little doubt things had gone stale in recent months. Pellegrini needed to go, and some of the players who had been central to the success look past their best.
Guardiola’s arrival signals a brand new era. It’s likely to be enthralling.
