Manchester City fans have seen so many talented players grace the Etihad Stadium turf down the years.
It was inevitable after the takeover by ADUG in 2008 that supporters would soon get to feast their eyes on some incredible talents – but fans really have been spoiled.
Some have Manchester City legend status, such as David Silva, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan
There have also been cult heroes, like Pablo Zabaleta, John Stones and Bernardo Silva.
But eventually, the time comes for players to leave the club – and Gary Lineker has shared what he’s noticed about Pep Guardiola when presented with these situations.
Gary Lineker loves how Pep Guardiola is never fazed losing players for Man City
Last night, Manchester City released their new Together: 4-In-A-Row documentary, which provides a look back behind the scenes of last season.
There are a number of contributors, including Match of the Day host Gary Lineker.
Like many, Lineker has been blown away by Guardiola’s work at City and how has constantly revolutionised and reinvented.
But there’s one thing that really impresses him – and that’s Guardiola’s belief in himself, and how it doesn’t faze him to lose players.
Lineker said: “I think most in the game thought that perhaps Man City had given away a bit of ground in the transfer window because we saw a couple of big-name players go out. Gundogan went to Barcelona, Mahrez went to Saudi.
“That’s a lot of goals and assists going out of your team. And of course Cole Palmer as well who turned out to be a fantastic signing (for Chelsea). That may be a little mistake from Manchester City there.
“But one thing I’ve noticed about Pep is it doesn’t seem to ever bother him, or worry (him) about players leaving. If they want to go if it’s there time ‘Off you go, I’ll get someone else in).
Guardiola knows he’ll get the right replacement
It’s right that Guardiola and City generally don’t stand in players’ ways when it comes to letting players leave the club.
The Manchester City manager knows that he has the ability to coach whoever comes in to get exactly what he wants out of them.
And he also knows that Txiki Begiristain – and hopefully Hugo Viana from next season onwards – will more than likely get him the right profile of player.
| Top five biggest sales Man City have made |
| 1. Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid – £81.5m |
| 2. Raheem Sterling to Chelsea – £50m |
| 3. Ferran Torres to Barcelona – £45m |
| 4. Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal – £45m |
| 5. Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich £41m rushing to £54m |
It’s a good stance from City. Players are more likely to join the club knowing that it should be a relatively smooth process when it comes to leaving.
Some believe that there are players who have left City for fees below their true market value. The Leroy Sane sale to Bayern Munich (for an initial £41 million rising to £54 million) springs to mind.
But Guardiola knows that whoever comes in as the departed player’s replacement is likely going to turn out brilliant under him.
