City are entering unfamiliar territory.
For the first time in nearly a decade, the club are preparing for a season without Pep. Enzo Maresca now has the task of taking charge of a squad built on Guardiola’s principles while creating his own identity.
There are no definitive answers yet. Those will only come on the pitch.
But as the new campaign approaches, there are several questions City supporters will be debating.
How much will change under Maresca?
Maresca knows the club well after working as part of Guardiola’s coaching staff, but this is a different challenge.
Will City continue to play in a similar way, or will Maresca introduce changes to the team’s approach?
The answer will undoubtedly shape the next chapter at the Etihad.
Maybe the new style will be, dare I say it, a little more exciting and gung-ho?
Who becomes the next midfield leader?
Rodri’s importance to City has been clear, but the midfield is beginning to evolve. And he may choose not to be in it.
The arrival of Elliot Anderson suggests the club are looking towards the future, but how quickly can he adapt to City’s demands?
And who takes greater responsibility alongside him?
How do City replace Bernardo Silva’s influence?
Bernardo has been central to Guardiola’s success because of his quality, versatility and work rate.
Now that he has chosen to move on, City (and |Enzo) will need to decide whether to find a similar player or reshape the position entirely.
Which new signings make the biggest impact?
City’s recruitment will be judged by results. As ever. Since when did good signings only get judged on paper?
New arrivals, like Anderson, will be expected to settle quickly, but every player needs time to adapt to the demands of playing for a club competing at the highest level. And also in a new system.
Can City continue challenging for major honours?
The expectation at City remains the same: compete for trophies. That won’t change.
But this season is also about transition. A new manager, evolving squad and changing ideas bring fresh challenges.
The biggest question for supporters may be this:
What does success look like in the first season of the post-Guardiola era?
Let us know what you think.
