Pep Guardiola has a knack for it.

After a rare slump last season, Manchester City bounced back strongly thanks to signings that were in the right place at the right time.

Pep Guardiola has proven that he is not only a great coach, but also extremely adept at the transfer market.

And once again, Pep Guardiola proved that he is not only a great coach, but also extremely adept at the transfer market.

Pep chose the right person.

This past summer forced Manchester City to make changes. The 2024/25 season ended with them finishing third in the Premier League, 13 points behind champions Liverpool and without any trophies.

For a team accustomed to dominance, that's a clear sign of stagnation. Pep Guardiola understands that without reform, Man City will lose its position.

The problem becomes even more complicated when a number of key players leave or are no longer at their peak. Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson, Kyle Walker, Gündogan, and Akanji are all no longer present.

Rodri's return from a serious injury raises many questions. Man City needs not only depth, but also individuals of sufficient caliber to change the team's operational structure.

Guardiola reacted in his familiar way: selective but decisive spending. Over 200 million euros were spent to bring in names like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Cherki. These weren't trendy signings, but pieces that directly addressed the problems.

Gianluigi Donnarumma has shown his worth at Man City.

Donnarumma is the clearest example. Bringing in the number one goalkeeper from Paris Saint-Germain immediately brought stability to the defense. He quickly made people forget about Ederson, and at the same time pushed James Trafford into a reserve role. Man City no longer had insecurity in goal, and that is a crucial foundation for any rebuilding.

In midfield, Reijnders brings something the club lacks: fluidity and link-up play. The Dutch midfielder isn't flashy, he doesn't need flashy moments, but he's always there at the right time.

The former AC Milan star's intelligent movement, quick passing, and excellent game reading ability helped Man City maintain their familiar control of the game. His 10 goal contributions are clear evidence of that quiet value.

But the signing that generated the most emotion was Cherki. At just 22 years old, the Frenchman brought a rare spontaneity to Man City in a system that is otherwise very disciplined.

Cherki is ambidextrous, daring, and possesses top-class finishing skills in tight spaces. Guardiola called him "extraordinary," and that wasn't just empty praise. Cherki doesn't just score or assist; he makes the game more unpredictable.

Cherki is ambidextrous, daring, and possesses top-level skills in tight spaces.

Pep elevates the skills of old players.

Notably, alongside the new signings, Guardiola also "revived" many familiar names. Nico Gonzalez, who struggled to adapt last season, has now become a key player, playing almost every minute. Guardiola has transformed him into a younger, more versatile version of Rodri.

Meanwhile, Doku played the role of a speed drill, leading the Premier League in dribbling, touches in the penalty area, and creating chances from open play.

Phil Foden's return is equally noteworthy. After a lackluster season, Foden has exploded with goalscoring and assisting performances far exceeding his previous expectations, returning to the star form that City needs.

All those pieces together lead to a clear conclusion. Guardiola didn't just fix the mistakes of a disappointing season. He rebuilt the club with the right choices, balancing quality with system compatibility.

In a league where transfers are often a gamble, Guardiola continues to demonstrate a rare ability: knowing exactly who his team needs, and what they need them for.

Source: https://znews.vn/pep-guardiola-qua-mat-tay-post1615153.html