Pep Guardiola claimed this week to be delighted at the ‘failure’ of last season at Manchester City – indicating he will use that to bounce back with major silverware this term.
City finished third in the Premier League after enduring a horror time before Christmas, winning one of 13 matches in all competitions leading to question marks surrounding the squad’s ability to compete with a vibrant Liverpool.
Nine new first-team faces have joined since January, seven of those under the age of 26, but to what extent City truly embark on a new era depends on who leaves the club before September.