Opinion: Pep Guardiola facing huge test of credentials at Manchester City

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While there is no denying Pep Guardiola’s success and methods, the Spanish tactician will face a test unlike anything he has experienced before next season.

With three La Liga titles, two Bundesliga titles and two Champions League successes to boast of all at the age of just 45, the former Barcelona and current Bayern Munich boss has achieved things that other coaches can only dream of.

Aside from the trophies, the manner in which he has won them has rightfully also been acknowledged, but Guardiola will face a completely different task when he arrives at the Etihad in the summer, with his move officially announced last month as noted by ESPN FC.

From coaching and helping to improve individuals such as Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta to leading a dominant German giant with the league’s best talents, Guardiola has been smart in the sense he has picked, or been picked, for jobs at a good time.

As mentioned above, that shouldn’t take away from his managerial skills, but it would certainly have helped him on his path to success.

However, it is an entirely different situation that lies ahead, with City arguably needing an entire overhaul in order to compete both domestically and in Europe moving forward.

Based on the current squad, there are several veteran players that will perhaps be moved on this summer, as Guardiola looks to put his own vision on the pitch and stamp his mark on the side. That could see the likes of Martin Demichelis, Aleksandar Kolarov, Pablo Zabaleta and Yaya Toure moved on while as a squad, it is debatable as to whether there is enough quality in depth.

As a result, it is no surprise that Guardiola has reportedly been backed by the club to spend significantly in order to strengthen the team, as reported by The Guardian, as the Spaniard looks to build a legacy in the blue half of Manchester.

While their success in the Capital One Cup arguably masks their issues in the sense that this current squad is ageing and in decline, it will be down to Guardiola to lead the rebuild and ensure that they are successful immediately.

Many individuals will survive without doubt, with Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero an ideal spine in terms of the system and style of player that Guardiola seeks, while Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne will be key too.

However, question marks remain over the defence, central midfield and alternative options up front, and that is where the new boss will be targeting his efforts in the transfer market.

Guardiola hasn’t had to rebuild previously on this scale and now his detractors and doubters could finally see their deeper-lying questions over him answered. Furthermore, the fact that he will be in a competitive league with several rival clubs bidding for the league title will also be a new test in itself and it sets up a fascinating first season in England next year.

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