Here we are again. After another successful season, Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City players will shortly begin pre-season training ahead of a new campaign, in which they will aim to do it all again and win as much silverware as possible.
The 2021/22 campaign saw City retain their Premier League title — the second time they have done so under Guardiola — and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League, falling just short once again in Europe.
The transfer window may have only just officially opened but already the Blues have freshened things up; Gabriel Jesus' move to Arsenal is awaiting official confirmation, while Erling Haaland, Stefan Ortega and soon Khaldoon Al Mubarak recently said will arrive at the Etihad Stadium.
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Of courses, a few new faces will by no means guarantee another great season. Tthere are other things that must be considered, which are included in this five-point plan for continued City success:
1. Embed Haaland ASAP
It would take a brave soul to bet against Haaland being the signing of the summer, especially given that City were able to sign such an accomplished goal-scorer for just £51m.
However, Haaland's integration into Guardiola's system may not be as simple as plug-and-play. Yes, Haaland will finish off plenty of those penalty area chances that seemed to go begging to often for City last season. But for him to be at his most effective in this City team, he will have to improve certain elements of his game, such as build-up play.
That might take a little time, but the sooner it happens the sooner City's attack will become more deadly than anyone ever though possible.
2. Get Jack Grealish firing
Last season Jack Grealish showed just how tricky it can be for new offensive recruits to adapt and bed-in in a Guardiola team. While the England star did not disappoint to the extent that some critics have claimed, he will be disappointed with his return of three goals and three assists in the league last season.
With Jesus gone and Raheem Sterling looking likely to follow him, Grealish will need to up his production if City are to continue to fight on all fronts and remain one of the best teams in the world.
3. Develop Cole Palmer
It's probably unhelpful to compare Cole Palmer to Phil Foden — after all, Foden could well be the most talented English player to emerge in the past decade or more. However, after a string of impressive performances last season it looks like Palmer could be the next City academy graduate to become a youth team regular.
Guardiola is understood to be keen on using the 19-year-old winger more this season, and there's every reason he will following the departure of Jesus and the possible exit of Sterling.
Palmer has the potential to be a star at City for years to come, so a solid season with more minutes will do his development the world of good.
4. Sort Pep's future
While Guardiola's future won't impact the coming season, City's fortunes going forward are intrinsically linked with the manager's future plans.
Guardiola's current contract expires in June 2023, and he is yet to enter negotiations on a new deal. City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak recently said that talks will take place on Guardiola's terms, but City must do everything they can to get their coach to commit his long-term future to the Blues.
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