Football NewsPep Guardiola Admits Sterling, Jesus, and Zinchenko Will be Misssed by Man City.
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Pep Guardiola has revealed the summer exits of Raheem Sterling, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Gabriel Jesus, conceding that the title-winning three will be missed next season.

Despite refusing to change his system to accommodate new newcomers, Manchester City’s record-breaking manager believes new signings Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips, and Julian Alvarez will help the team contend for a fifth Premier League title in seven seasons.

Last season, City won the Premier League title for the fourth time under Guardiola, defeating Liverpool in a title race that went down to the wire.

City face Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium in the first competitive encounter of the new season.

Guardiola, on the other hand, will be counting on his new arrivals, especially Haaland, to hit the ground running following the triple exits that saw City gain more money through sales than any other team in the league during the summer window.

Guardiola told the Manchester City website: ‘There are decisions for the club and decisions for the players.’ I told you from the beginning that you had to be where you wanted to be.

‘All I can say about Raheem, Gabriel, and Oleksandr is that what we’ve accomplished this season would not have been possible without them.’

‘Raheem created this fantastic and surprising explosion. I witnessed his desire to score more goals and assist more people increase. I’d say his impact was significant because of the manner he played and never got hurt.
‘When Alexander arrived as a youngster, he was sent to Holland; we intended to sell him, but he said no, I want to stay here.’

‘He was in the gym when everyone else was asleep, doing extra workouts, and he declared his time had arrived.’

‘His moment had come, and he was prepared.’ He is a world-class player who will be missed. He can manage pressure really well as a man, and he exudes confidence.

‘Gabriel is the nicest player I’ve ever worked with, and competing with Sergio Aguero was a difficult effort.’

‘A young Brazilian player came to compete with him, and he is the best striker defender I have ever worked with in three positions.’ He just has five minutes, but it’s the best five minutes of his life.

‘He can press three or four players in 10 seconds for 90 minutes and I have a hunch we will miss them most of the time.’ It’s life, and their triumphs will bring us joy.
The acquisition of one of the world’s hottest properties in Haaland, as well as the signings of Phillips and versatile attacker Alvarez, softens the blow of losing title-winners.

Guardiola has cautioned his new players that they must adapt to his way if they are to be as successful as their predecessors in Manchester.

‘We will not change our style of play.

‘We’ll modify these players.’ We want Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips, and Julian Alvarez to be their best.

‘It’s a great sensation,’ he said.

Kevin De Bruyne is one player on whom Guardiola knows he can always rely, with the Spanish manager naming his Belgian playmaker the best midfielder in the world.

Prior to Guardiola’s arrival at the Etihad in 2016, the 31-year-old was the club’s last remaining player.

During his stay in England, De Bruyne has helped City win four Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the League Cup five times.
Guardiola singled out the midfielder for special appreciation, saying that his demeanor as a “regular guy” is what makes him so popular at the club.

‘I’d say definitely [he’s the finest midfielder in the world].’ I’m overjoyed, and he’s the one player who hasn’t left since I came. He scored a lot of goals, not only assists, especially this year.

‘He was a critical player in crucial moments, particularly in the Premier League.’ He is more mature and fully understands the game right now. He believes he is a better player now. Because he is so shy, he will not admit it.

‘He doesn’t want to pretend to be someone other than himself.’ I enjoy working with people like Kevin, who are top-tier players that behave in a unique manner. He’s a typical man who enjoys football.’

Manchester City will begin their Premier League championship defense against West Ham United on August 7, as Guardiola and co aim for a third consecutive league title.