Pep Guardiola has won four Premier League titles since arriving at Manchester City in 2016. His side has claimed five domestic cups and they also reached the final of the Champions League in 2021.
Despite that success, Guardiola still looks very motivated to win more silverware with the reigning English champions. His squad had a transformation during the summer, with additions that could give them the power they need to go all the way in the Champions League.
Guardiola has also had to say goodbye to some players who have been a big part of his success at the club, as they seek regular football elsewhere. The Spanish coach has never been one to stand in the way of a player who wants to move on.
What The Odds Have To Say
For the Champions League crown this season, City is the +275 favorite according to the outright markets for football betting today. That’s a trophy Guardiola has been desperate to win since arriving in Manchester six years ago.
Last year’s winners are odds-on at -200 in the Premier League title odds and are expected to be locked into a battle with rivals Liverpool once again. City has won that dual in each of the last two years.
Goals Unlikely to Be a Problem for City
When it comes to scoring goals, City has been one of the most prolific teams in Europe over the last few years. With players Guardiola brought in during the summer, he now has strong competition for places in the forward positions.
This season will be Jack Grealish’s second year at the club after joining for £100 million in 2021. The England international scored just six goals in his debut campaign, but much more can be expected from him now he is settled in the squad.
City was boosted by the news that Riyad Mahrez had signed a new contract back in July. He will now be at the Etihad Stadium until June 2025. With every season he has been at the club, the Algerian has increased his goal return. Guardiola will be hoping he can do the same again in the 2022/23 campaign.
The departure of Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus will be a sad note for City fans. Between them, they scored 226 goals for the club. Sterling will now be competing against City at Chelsea, while in north London, Jesus has joined former City assistant coach Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
Kalvin Phillips Adds Extra Protection
Former Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is somebody Guardiola has long admired. The City boss made the England player a priority in the summer transfer window and he was able to sign the player.
Phillips will be competing with Rodri for a place in the team in the defensive midfield role. With City involved in four competitions, there will be no shortage of football for both players.
Guardiola is likely to be demanding even more from his squad this season. If he can get his hands on the Champions League trophy, the changes he made this summer will prove to be a huge success.