Pep Guardiola’s sensational decision to extend his Manchester City contract means the Blues have some clarity ahead of the return of top flight football this weekend.
Guardiola’s previous contract expired in the summer but his decision to pen a new 12 month extension with the option of a further year is set to take his stay at the Etihad beyond a decade. The news will be welcomed by City chiefs, who made no secret of their desire to see Guardiola continue, and supporters, some of who will have felt as though the 53-year-old’s Etihad tenure will have been coming to an end, particularly with his close friend and confidant Txiki Begiristain announcing his departure.
But Guardiola’s reign will now continue and he will work alongside incoming technical director Hugo Viana. And despite the understandable delight at Guardiola’s decision, thoughts will soon turn towards the work needed to be done at City. We take a look at the in tray.
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Rekindle form
On the pitch Guardiola has overseen four successive defeats for the first time in his managerial career. Job one will be to arrest that slump when Tottenham visit on Saturday evening. City have slipped five points adrift of Liverpool and with those two sides meeting in 10 days time, now would be a timely opportunity to rediscover their form.
Iron out De Bruyne future
The playmaker is out if contract in the summer and has been linked with an Etihad exit. He’s battled injuries for much of the last 18 months but has shown his quality when he has been fit to feature and still possesses the hallmarks of an elite player. There is no question that he can be an asset to this city side and if he is willing to stay, then an extension seems sensible.
Guardiola and De Bruyne have a close relationship littered with trophies. If the Belgian’s future can be nailed down in the wake of his manager committing to the club than the major off field in house decisions are taken care of.
Build understanding with Viana
The incoming director of football doesn’t officially start until next summer but will be at the Etihad before then to understand the role he is taking on. Guardiola had such a key relationship Viana’s predecessor Begiristain that replicating that with the Portuguese arrival is not possible. But it is crucial that the two form a strong alliance and alignment to help drive the club forward. Guardiola himself will stand for nothing less.
Attack the transfer market
City’s crippling injury list has severely hampered them this season and it’s also shone a light on their squad strength. Guardiola likes to operate with a quality over quantity approach but with 70+ game seasons slowly becoming the norm, the need for depth has never been greater.
City need to strengthen, not necessarily in January although an arrival or two wouldn’t go amiss, and now Guardiola’s future is clarified it should make attracting players easier with the City picture clear.
