Pep Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain will be hoping that their summer transfer business so far will leave Manchester City in good stead to win multiple pieces of silverware this season.
However, City’s two Premier League title rivals from last season have either made or look set to make top-class additions to their squad.
Arsenal have signed Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino from Bologna and Real Sociedad respectively while Fabrizio Romano revealed Federico Chiesa’s admission about joining Liverpool.
Calafiori and Merino were one of the best players in their respective divisions during the previous campaigns while Chiesa has already showcased why he is one of the most feared wingers in the world.
However, Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan have already looked like additions that will improve Pep Guardiola’s side.
Savinho has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water while Gundogan did not seem like he needs any reminding of how the football is played at the Etihad Stadium in his brief appearance against Ipswich Town.
As a result, Pep Guardiola could be feeling quietly confidence about City’s prospects in all competitions this campaign.
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Guardiola and Begiristain agree about Man City transfer plans now
However, one of the biggest takeaways from every summer transfer window is that deadline day offers surprises.
Manuel Akanji’s move to Manchester City, Mesut Ozil’s surprise transfer to Arsenal as well as Chelsea’s capture of Ashley Cole are examples of shock moves on deadline day.
However, it seems the approach at City is not to surprise their supporters in this manner.
Instead, the club are aware of their approach in the transfer market.
As per a report by The Times, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City sporting director Txiki Begiristain have decided that it would be best if they keep the same squad — including no more incomings or outgoings.
Names like Kyogo Furuhashi and Orri Oskarsson linked with the club and Matheus Nunes was rumoured to join Atletico Madrid on loan; but Guardiola would seemingly prefer the Portuguese midfielder to stay at City while the recruitment team are happy not to ramp up their interest in the striking pair.
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Pep Guardiola knows his Manchester City squad best
Ultimately, the £378,846-a-week manager knows best where his side need to strengthen.
If Pep Guardiola is comfortable with the make up of his squad as well as Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City supporters should feel at ease about their judgement.
Rarely do Guardiola and Begiristain make any errors in such instances, if ever and the Sky Blues still have one of the best teams in the world.
The fact that City are already the league leaders with Rodri, Phil Foden, John Stones and Kyle Walker yet to start either of their games is an indicator of the quality and experience they possess.
Pep Guardiola would have every right to feel bullish about how his side have started the season.
The Catalan will be aware that it will not be all smooth sailing throughout the campaign.
But so far, the signs seem ominous for their competitors in England and across Europe.
