Pep Guardiola’s Post-Transfer Window Priorities: Reassigning Roles, Managing Leadership Dynamics, and Addressing Squad Depth Challenges
Pep Guardiola’s main task after the transfer window closes will involve reassigning roles within Manchester City’s squad, especially with decisions on fringe players expected after Friday’s transfer deadline.
Guardiola isn’t ruling out any last-minute signings, though major additions are unlikely. With injuries to key players like Julian Alvarez and Oscar Bobb, the squad depth is a concern, but new signings Savinho, Ilkay Gundogan’s return, and James McAtee will help fill the gaps.
Some players may leave, such as Joao Cancelo, who has the option to move to Al Hilal, and Issa Kabore, who has garnered interest from the Premier League and Europe.
However, Guardiola will largely rely on the existing squad, with the return of Gundogan potentially creating a new dynamic since he’s no longer captain, a role now held by Kyle Walker.
Walker narrowly beat Kevin De Bruyne for the captaincy last summer, with Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Ruben Dias also taking leadership roles.
Gundogan, who was the treble-winning captain, might now be considered the sixth choice for the armband.
Other players like John Stones, Ederson, and Erling Haaland, who had captaincy responsibilities during pre-season, might seek more leadership roles this season.
If there’s a new captaincy vote, it could be one of Guardiola’s first tasks post-window. However, Gundogan has expressed that he’s indifferent about reclaiming the captaincy, emphasizing that his focus is on leading by example through his actions on and off the pitch.
Gundogan’s return strengthens the squad’s leadership, with additional players like Mateo Kovacic, Manu Akanji, Nathan Ake, and Phil Foden contributing to the team’s leadership in various ways.
The management of the captaincy group, particularly with Gundogan back in the squad, will be an interesting development to watch as the season progresses.
Pep Guardiola’s Post-Transfer Window Priorities: Reassigning Roles, Managing Leadership Dynamics, and Addressing Squad Depth Challenges
