Three ways Man City can be even more dominant next season
The treble complete, what now for Manchester City? Pep Guardiola so often speaks of being unable to relax, expressing the dangers of letting the guard down.
And while they rightly immersed themselves in wild celebration last night, it cannot be long before he knuckles back down in pursuit of continued dominance and, now the first has been one, maybe even retaining the Champions League.
You can be sure that Guardiola will soon be reminding the players for success not to soften them.
Finding clear ways for them to improve is not an easy task when they are already this good. But there are some tweaks and additions that should contribute to making them even more commanding in 2023/24.
Midfield options
With questions over the futures of captain Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva, plus Kalvin Phillips failing to make an impression following his arrival from Leeds (though he has been injured), adding depth in the centre is expected.
Pep Guardiola went back on his word after blocking last-ditch Barcelona transfer
Mateo Kovacic, a four-time Champions League winner with 12 months remaining on his deal at Chelsea, has been granted permission to speak to the club and would bring quality and experience as City look to increase their level of dominance.
It seems like a foolish decision from Chelsea, despite their desperate need to trim a bloated squad, because it will weaken them while making the team they are trying to close the gap to even stronger.
Phil Foden has slipped down the pecking order but should return in August rejuvenated and Phillips must feature more than the four starts across all competitions in the past nine months - but a couple of new faces arriving should not surprise anyone.
Pep Guardiola kisses the trophy after Manchester City won their first Champions League.Even more from Haaland
It may sound daft to say a player who has smashed records, swept the awards and found the net 52 times in all competitions can offer more going forwards but history shows Pep Guardiola players often make a significant leap in their second season under his tutelage – just look at Jack Grealish.
And that is a terrifying prospect for any defender.
Haaland can clearly become more involved in build-up play and the chemistry with his teammates will, in theory, continuously become more potent as his time at the club progresses. If he can stay free of injuries, would anyone bet against another half century next season?
Jack Grealish celebrates with the Champions League trophy.Full back reinforcements
The John Stones move has been one of the defining features of the campaign but teams will find ways to combat it next season and City may look to add depth at full back. Kyle Walker remains excellent but is 33. Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji have been more than dependable at left back, while Rico Lewis should take another stride in his development.
But Joao Cancelo has no future at the club having been loaned to Bayern Munich in January after supposedly putting on his headphones instead of listening to Guardiola during a team meeting.
Primary targets do not immediately jump to mind but their recruitment department seldom get things wrong.
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