Guardiola’s Stability Strategy: City Embraces Continuity for Success
In a revealing moment before the 2021 Champions League final, Pep Guardiola offered a candid perspective on maintaining success in football. During a discussion with Rio Ferdinand, he noted that replicating a string of league titles with the same squad is “almost impossible.” “You have to shake, you have to move,” Guardiola emphasized, highlighting the need for continual evolution.
Since Sheikh Mansour’s acquisition of Manchester City in 2008, the club has consistently embraced change, understanding that stagnation could lead to falling behind. The club’s leadership, keenly aware of past mistakes tied to sentimentality, has always prioritized progress and adaptability.
However, as Guardiola resumes training at the City Football Academy on Tuesday, the approach seems more conservative. Out of the eight players returning from the US tour, only Brazilian winger Savinho will be new to the squad. The likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva are set to continue, reflecting a more stable core rather than the upheaval Guardiola once advocated.
This stability might make City’s title defense appear predictable: Erling Haaland is expected to top the scoring charts, Kevin De Bruyne is likely to lead in assists, and Rodri is anticipated to shine as the team’s standout performer. Players like Phil Foden, Ruben Dias, and possibly Josko Gvardiol will contribute significantly at various times throughout the season.
Despite the seeming predictability, Guardiola’s current strategy contrasts with his earlier views. When reminded of his past statements, he remarked, “I don’t know when I said that!” He continued, “I think I was clear in the first season that we had a really good team but were an old squad. After that, we made significant market moves.”
He acknowledged that while the dynamics of player desires and experiences vary, the current squad’s quality and cohesion make frequent changes unnecessary. “I feel comfortable because the quality of the human beings we have in the squad is difficult to replace.”
While some might find the notion of City’s dominance less thrilling, stability has proven to be a cornerstone of their success. Over the past 11 years, City has maintained just two managers, with the same sporting director and CEO throughout—a feat unmatched by many rivals. In contrast, clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal, with their relative stability, have posed more significant challenges than Manchester United and Chelsea.
As Guardiola reassembles a largely familiar squad for the new season, he will hope that this approach of continuity over change will keep City at the forefront of English football.
