2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Daniel Orme, Amie Wilson)
After committing to a new contract, Pep Guardiola faces the significant challenge of rejuvenating Manchester City 's aging squad, according to Alan Shearer. The Spaniard has propelled Etihad Stadium to staggering heights with six Premier League titles under his belt — including an impressive streak of four consecutive wins — and has brought home City’s historic first Champions League trophy. It was confirmed this week that the City boss had put pen-to-paper on a new two-year deal.
It ends speculation over his future. Shearer acknowledged Guardiola's exceptional impact but pointed out the looming task ahead. In discussions with Betfair , via the Mirror , Shearer commented: "Looking through their current squad, you've got Kevin De Bruyne , Bernardo Silva , Mateo Kovacic , Ilkay Gundogan , Kyle Walker , Ederson and even John Stones who are all 30+ years old, so you could argue the bulk of their squad is in a state of natural decline.
READ MORE: Fragile Man City have what Pep Guardiola wants as Liverpool admission made READ MORE: John Stones adds to Pep Guardiola problems for 'angry' Man City players "However, you could also argue whether a little bit of their hunger may have also decreased, because a lot of those players have been incredibly successful and I don't care who or what you are, it's difficult to keep going again, again and again. "They've done it so many times now so it's a big ask for them to come back and go again, and only time will tell. They also have the off-field charges that have been put to them as a football club to deal with, and the questions that are going to be asked there too.
"Plenty of people will say that the current charges hanging over City shouldn't affect the players that are on the pitch, 'they just have to go out and play', and I understand that, but ultimately what happens at the top of the football club always filters its way down to the pitch at some stage. "It shouldn't do but often it does. Having said all that, if you ask me if they'll be there or thereabouts come the end of the season, my answer to that would be yes.
" Even after the boost of Guardiola's new contract, City suffered a fifth defeat in a row on Saturday. The team fell to a shock 4-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium. It means that City could trail league leaders Liverpool by eight points at the end of the weekend.
Arne Slot's men are currently five points clear and take on Southampton on Sunday afternoon. Get City transfer updates on WhatsApp! Manchester City wrapped up the 2023/24 season with a fourth successive Premier League title, but they missed out on another Treble with defeat in the FA Cup final and Champions League quarter-finals. It's now time for Pep Guardiola and co to turn their attention to the transfer window.
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