Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that forward Julian Alvarez will be leaving the club to seek a new challenge, with Atletico Madrid set to secure his services for £81.5m. Guardiola expressed his appreciation for Alvarez’s time at City and wished him the best in his future endeavors.
The departure of Alvarez follows the arrival of Erling Haaland in 2022, which led to Gabriel Jesus transferring to Arsenal. Guardiola acknowledged that Haaland’s presence made it challenging to bring in another striker, but City may still seek to add to their attacking options before the transfer window closes.
In addition to a possible forward signing, Guardiola mentioned the potential for City to recruit a midfielder who can provide cover for Rodri. Kalvin Phillips, who returned from a loan spell at West Ham, impressed in a pre-season friendly at centre-back and could feature in that position against Manchester United in the Community Shield.
Guardiola also expressed his concerns about Arsenal’s threat to City’s dominance in the Premier League, praising Mikel Arteta’s side for their continued improvement and strong performances in pre-season matches. Despite the competition from Arsenal, Guardiola remains focused on the upcoming season with City.
Regarding his future beyond City, Guardiola addressed speculation linking him to the England national team manager position. While his contract with City runs until 2025, Guardiola admitted that managing an international team is a possibility he may consider in the future.
Looking ahead to City’s participation in the Club World Cup next summer, Guardiola acknowledged the challenges of a packed schedule that will span 48 weeks. With key players like Walker, Stones, Foden, and Rodri set to miss the Community Shield due to their Euro 2024 final involvement, Guardiola emphasized the importance of managing player workload and rotation throughout the demanding season.
As Guardiola navigates the changes in City’s squad, prepares for tough competition in the Premier League, and contemplates his coaching future, City fans will be eagerly anticipating another exciting season under his guidance. The departure of Alvarez marks the end of an era for the talented forward at City, but opens up new opportunities for both the club and the player as they embark on their respective journeys.
