Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side have had a perfect start to the season as they look to defend their title.
An opening-day win against West Ham in London and a 4-0 thrashing of Bournemouth completed their successful early exchanges in this 38-week-long season.
As City look to build on their success, the management and the players have voted a new captain to lead the side this season.
The nod for captaincy has been something that was coming for a long time after their former captain, City legend Fernandinho, departed following the latest league-winning season, marking an end to the nine successful seasons.
After the leadership group and the management voted in, it is now confirmed — City have a new leader.
Ilkay Gundogan will be the captain for the upcoming season. The German is one of the senior players in Guardiola’s first team and has contributed to the team’s success in the concluded seasons.
In the absence of Fernandinho, it was Gundogan who took up the reigns as skipper during the last few seasons, and it seems like a natural selection to have him lead the Blues’ this season around.
Alongside Gundogan, prolific midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has been promoted to vice-captain. De Bruyne is City’s most experienced campaigner following the exit of Raheem Sterling to Chelsea earlier this season. The leadership group for City now consists of Gundogan, De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias and Rodri.
As City look at another title with Pep Guardiola at the helm, they are also on the lookout for European glory, the only silverware missing from the City trophy cabinet in the Guardiola era.
Is Bernardo Silva leaving?
Arriving five years ago, the Portuguese soon became the livewire of the team and one of their most consistent performers. In 2021 there was strife between City and Silva as he was orchestrating a move to Spain but turned it down after the manager’s plea to stay.
This later benefited both Silva and City as they went on to win the Premier League title.
But this year is nothing different from the last. Silva has his intentions to continue his football in Spain, but there is still nothing in print on the move. Barcelona wants Silva, and he fancies La Liga, but City are demanding £80million.
At a time when they are cash-strapped, it is a price tag that the Catalans cannot afford.
City’s manager admitted that he did not know Silva’s future beyond the transfer window. But when the champions set out to the Etihad for their first game, the intentions were clear — Silva was on the bench, just like the season opener. When Foden was taken off at half time, it was Grealish that replaced him.
Silva spent his afternoon applauding the four stands inside the Etihad, hinting at a possible exit from the club and also handed over his shirt to a fan. He had been given the final half-hour — and felt the love from City fans.
Haaland’s first goals
The common perception among Manchester City ticket holders was that Erling Haaland was signed for his finishing. But Haaland begged to differ. He scored two in his debut at West Ham and had the chance of making it three had he got Grealish’s pass right.
But, during the opening game, the Norwegian illustrated quite well that he is not just a finisher but also an opportunity creator, swapping passes with Ilkay Gunagoan.
If it was one season that tested City, then it was last year. Without a first-choice striker, the team went on to score 99 goals and retain the title. It was a clear statement that Haaland would not need to carry the burden alone and that there was plenty of support crew to play alongside him.
While De Bruyne showed what he was capable of, Manchester City are glowing with confidence at the start of the season.
When Phil Foden scored off a tactful De Bruyne pass, it appeared like Bournemouth was in for the kind of beating that brings flashbacks and bad memories. After leading 3-0, City followed with another — this time Jefferson Lema slicing Joan Cancelo’s cross.
City fixtures are coming in fast, and next, they will face Newcastle United before they head to the UEFA Champions League group stage encounter against FC Barcelona. The Catalan side will have a thing or two to add but take nothing away from the team from Manchester.
The road after the Barca game looks quite easy on paper, with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest lined up.
Tickets in high demand
Unlike the other side of Manchester, where tickets aren’t getting the attraction that they used to, Manchester City tickets are again in high demand. Especially for the Champions League Wednesdays, tickets are quite scarce.
But trusted reseller platforms are where you need to be doing your bidding with hundreds of ticket options listed when it comes to Manchester City tickets. These tickets come from verified sellers to ensure every City fan gets to watch their team play at some point in the season.
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