Last updated on August 7, 2025
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For the first time in years, Manchester City are starting a season without Kevin De Bruyne.
Image credit: Manchester City
Manchester City are used to winning—but things feel different this time.
Last season, they walked away with nothing: no league title, no FA Cup, and no Champions League.
Now, they’re starting a new chapter without Kevin De Bruyne, the player who made them tick for years.
There are fresh faces in the squad and plenty of talent, but something feels shaky.
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Pep Guardiola looks tired, and he’s already talking about taking a break when his contract ends.
The new season kicks off with tough games, and fans are wondering: can this team still dominate like before?
We are not just talking about winning trophies.
It’s about whether City can find their rhythm again—or if the glory days are starting to fade.
Table of Contents
Squad Rebuild: Life After De Bruyne
For the first time in years, Manchester City are starting a season without Kevin De Bruyne.
His move to Napoli this summer didn’t just end a chapter—it closed a whole era.
De Bruyne wasn’t just a playmaker; he was the brains and heartbeat of City’s attack.
Replacing that kind of influence is never simple, but Pep Guardiola isn’t wasting time.
New faces have come in—Tijjani Reijnders brings energy and control in midfield, while Rayan Aït‑Nouri adds flair down the left.
January signing Omar Marmoush has already made an impression—he scored a hat-trick.
More so, his wonder strike against Bournemouth in the league was awarded the Premier League Goal of the Season.
But it’s not just about new signings. City are clearly thinking about the future.
Pep has handpicked a new leadership group—Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Rúben Dias, and yes, Erling Haaland, who’s growing into more than just a goal machine.
This season, we’ll see a new identity forming—one without KDB pulling the strings.
The big question is whether this group can click quickly enough to stay competitive at the top.
Fixture Firestorm: The Opening Month That Could Define Everything
Manchester City’s new season kicks off with a bang—and there’s no easing into it.
They begin away at Wolves, followed by a big clash at home to Tottenham, then travel again to face a tricky Brighton side.
It’s a packed and testing schedule right out of the gate.
“Get it right early, and they’ll set the pace. Stumble, and the pressure piles on quickly.”
These early matches could shape the mood of the entire campaign. City can’t afford to start slow—not in a league this competitive.
Pep’s Pressure: Motivation or Burnout?
Pep Guardiola has done it all with Manchester City—league titles, trebles, unbeaten runs.
But earlier this year, he admitted something rare for someone in his position:
As I am now, I’m 75 years old [laughs]. I’m a wreck, everything hurts right now.
That honesty revealed what many have quietly suspected: the pressure is starting to wear him down.
With just two seasons left on his contract, Pep’s every decision now feels weighed down by the clock.
Will he push for one last dominant campaign, or will mental fatigue take a toll on his motivation?
Why It Matters
- Leadership energy affects the squad. A manager nearing burnout can impact focus, tactics, and dressing room mood.
- Tough season ahead: Squad rebuilds, early tough fixtures, and chasing lost ground after last season’s slip.
- Legacy on the line: If Pep ends on a high, he leaves as City’s undisputed GOAT. But if this season unravels, it may stain an otherwise perfect era.
The Gap is Closing — City’s Rivals Are Catching Up
This season, the chasing pack isn’t just hanging around — they’re spending big, strengthening smart, and aiming straight for the throne.
Liverpool have hit the reset button under new manager Arne Slot.
They’ve brought in exciting talents like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, both coming in for over €100 million.
That’s a clear sign they mean business.
Arsenal aren’t slowing down either. After back-to-back title pushes, they’ve added more depth in key areas.
Mikel Arteta’s squad now has the experience — and hunger — to go all the way.
Manchester United are showing serious intent too.
Big-money moves for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha suggest they’re building a squad that can challenge again.
And then there’s Chelsea. Under new boss Enzo Maresca, the Blues are going all-in on young talent.
They’ve already spent over £200 million on names like João Pedro, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Liam Delap, Estêvão Willian, and Mamadou Sarr.
And guess what? They just added Jorrel Hato to the already-packed squad with Xavi Simons soon to follow.
This isn’t just a noisy window — it’s a reshaping of the title race.
What This Means for City
Pep Guardiola’s side won’t have the luxury of a slow start. With the competition so strong and so deep, every dropped point could cost them.
Chelsea’s youthful gamble might take time to pay off, but if it clicks, it’ll click big.
And the rest? They’re already battle-tested and ready to pounce.
This season, it’s not just about who’s the best team — it’s about who can keep pace, stay fit, and deliver week in, week out.
Statistical Warning Signs
Despite City’s reputation for consistency, the data tells a more vulnerable story.
Defensive frailties, a dip in goal efficiency, and a quieter season for Haaland hint at deeper concerns.
The table below breaks down key stats from last season:
| Metric | Stat (2024–25) | Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Conceded (PL) | 44 goals | Most conceded under Guardiola, showing defensive drop-off |
| Goal Conversion Rate | 10.7 % | Down from 15.7 % in 2022–23; ranked 10th in the league |
| Haaland’s Goals vs xG | 22 goals from ~70.19 xG (≈1.0 ratio) | No longer outperforming xG, unlike prior seasons |
Conclusion
Manchester City are stepping into the unknown.
The De Bruyne era is officially over, Pep is nearing the end of his cycle, and the Premier League has never been this competitive.
There’s still quality in the squad — lots of it — but the sense of inevitability around City’s dominance is fading.
This season won’t just test their tactics or talent. It will test their character.
Can this team adapt, regroup, and rise again? Or are we witnessing the first real signs of a power shift?
The answers are coming — fast.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Manchester City still title favorites without De Bruyne?
They remain strong contenders, but the increased competitiveness of rivals like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea means the title race will be tighter than ever.
What did Pep Guardiola say about leaving Manchester City?
Pep recently hinted at mental exhaustion, saying he’s “a bit of a wreck” and plans to take a break after his contract ends in 2027.
Has Erling Haaland’s performance declined?
While still prolific, Haaland’s output slightly dipped in the latter part of last season, which may be linked to changes in service and tactical shifts.
