Manchester City Celebrate Beginning of New Guardiola Era as Optimism Rises

Manchester City flung open the doors to the City Football Academy (CFA) for fans this weekend as they hosted a two-day event to mark the beginning of a new era at the club.

There have been seismic changes at City already this summer, and the weekend’s festivities were designed to mark this latest chapter in their history.

The new circular crest—a throwback to a bygone era—has now officially been introduced, replacing the eagle design that had adorned the shirt since 1997. The new home kit was revealed. Ilkay Gundogan, a £20 million signing from Borussia Dortmund, addressed the supporters. And, finally, the big event of the weekend; new manager Pep Guardiola was interviewed on the main stage.

After the stagnation of last season, there’s excitement in the east Manchester air once more.

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New kit. New manager. New chapter.#SparkBrilliance pic.twitter.com/DrJatWGKAo

— Nike UK (@NikeUK) July 3, 2016"

"I think everyone knows about him [Guardiola]," said Kelechi Iheanacho, clearly buoyed by the Catalan’s arrival. "He’s a great manager. He’s coached great teams—Barcelona, Bayern Munich. He’s done great for all the teams."

The fact City have managed to lure the world’s most sought-after manager to the club is a huge statement. They were patient in their pursuit, with Guardiola’s close relationship with Ferran Soriano, City’s chief executive, and Txiki Begiristain, the sporting director, proving key.

They now have a manager at the helm who has won 21 major trophies in seven seasons, a staggering record that sets him apart from so many of his contemporaries.

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Here he comes! #ItBegins https://t.co/xmQYlBjb3R

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 3, 2016"

Expectations may need to be tempered, though. The weekend saw plenty of fanfare and triumphalism, but there now needs to be a period of realism.

The Premier League provides new challenges, and the City squad contains some holes. The early signs suggest this isn’t going to be a transfer window that sees too many of the best players moving clubs, particularly defenders, which is perhaps what the team are most in need of.

Guardiola is the best manager in the game, but he isn’t a miracle worker and will need time to adjust and assemble the squad he wants.

"Thank you for coming here in your house, my new house," he said. "I am so glad to be here and thank you to Manchester City for giving me this amazing opportunity to live in England and do my job in the Premier League and I am sure I am going to enjoy.

"That is why I am here. That is the reason I am here. I prove myself in Barcelona, and after I prove myself in Germany and I wanted to prove myself in England.

OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

"The players are coming to try every game, every weekend that the Manchester City people can be proud, and we will see what is our level to achieve our battles. I want the people who enjoy football to be proud of what we did. After that, maybe we will win our titles.

"I cannot do that alone. I need the players, the staff. We need our fans. Without that, it is impossible."

Guardiola, it seems, is aware of the size of the challenge he faces. City have regressed in the last 18 months. They need younger, better players, more tactical dimensions, more belief and an improved style of play. Introducing all of that in a short space of time will be difficult and is likely to take time.

"

When @NoelGallagher​ met Pep... coming soon. #ItBegins https://t.co/vfk8iU87vl

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 3, 2016"

The unveiling of the new manager wasn’t the only significant moment.

It was revealed before Guardiola came on stage that Mikel Arteta had agreed to join his backroom staff. Brian Kidd, who joined the club as assistant manager in 2009 when Roberto Mancini was in charge, will stay on. Rodolfo Borrell, the former technical director of Liverpool’s academy and Lionel Messi’s first coach at Barcelona, has also agreed to join.

"

Hi all, here a statement from me on the next chapter in my football career... pic.twitter.com/2Xb9VifCog

— Mikel Arteta (@m8arteta) July 3, 2016"

They will join forces with Manuel Estiarte, Carles Planchart, Domenec Torrent and Lorenzo Buenaventura, Guardiola’s trusted team that helped him succeed at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. It’s a formidable group to assist the main man.

They must revitalise a squad that faltered badly last season, one that lacked pace and intensity. Pre-season will be a vital time as they look to prepare the players for a new style of play, where every player is expected to work hard with and without the ball. The lethargy that ruined Manuel Pellegrini’s final 18 months in charge must be consigned to the past.

Gundogan is under no illusions how difficult it will be. "The number of games. I think it is really tough and really hard. No winter break, we are used to it in Germany," he said.

OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

"It will be a new experience. No break, a lot of games, two cup competitions, really interesting times.

"I want to prove myself in a new country, in a new league and at a new club. I had the opportunity to join Manchester City and it is a really big team to come in to and a big chance. I am really happy to be here."

Those expecting instant results may get a shock—but there's no doubt City are already in a better place today than they were at the end of last season. Their supporters are enthused once more. 

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and follows the club from a Manchester base. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @RobPollard_.