MANCHESTER, United Kingdom, Jan 12, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Pep Guardiola knows
replacing Manchester City’s “golden generation” is a tough task but it is one
he must accomplish to keep the team at the pinnacle of English football.
Talismanic captain Vincent Kompany has already left the Etihad, midfield
maestro David Silva is going at the end of this season and all-time leading
goalscorer Sergio Aguero is expected to depart when his contract runs out in
2021.
The three players were pivotal to City’s rise and have been part of all
four of the club’s Premier League triumphs between 2012 and last season.
The task for Guardiola, whose side look unlikely to defend their Premier
League title, is to find players who are good enough to repeat those
achievements.
“We cannot deny how important these names have been for the club,” said the
Catalan ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match at Aston Villa.
“Vinny is unique, Sergio is unique, David too. These kinds of players are
incredible.
“But this club has the duty and obligation to find the best replacements
for all of them and as quickly as possible and to anticipate it.
“You have to move on and it has to happen. But knowing how important they
were, they helped us to be the club we are now.”
– New City stars –
Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling have emerged as Premier League stars
since Guardiola’s arrival but the presence of the old guard, who have been
successful under three managers at City, provided a solid foundation.
“I live nearly the last four years with these guys and I will always be
grateful for what they have done for me and the club, in our period and in
the past,” said the City boss.
“They were with Roberto (Mancini) and Manuel (Pellegrini) and they were
incredibly consistent for many, many years.”
There is great hope at City that their academy will start to provide a
regular supply of first-team players and Phil Foden leads the way.
The 19-year-old has been earmarked by Guardiola to step up when Silva walks
away this summer.
Some observers believe Foden has not had enough football, given his
ability, but the young English midfielder has still made 21 appearances in
all competitions this season.
“Phil is an incredible player but he still has things to improve,” said
Guardiola.
“Sometimes you have to be patient. But I say many times that when David is
going to leave this season we are not going to buy any player in his position
because we have Phil.
“We trust Phil. If we didn’t believe in him we might go to the market to
replace David, but we have Phil.
“He is the guy who is going to take his minutes or maybe he has to fight
with Kevin, Gundo (Ilkay Gundogan) and Bernardo (Silva) who can play in that
position.
“It’s the only way to maintain the level as high as possible.”