Maybe it’s logical that the champion doesn’t need to spend a lot in the tranfer window, since they are the champions and had the best players (on paper). It seems that Pep Guardiola feels like that with his team, as Manchester City was among the modest teams in recently closed transfer window. Only Savinho (Troyes, 25 million euros) and Gündoğan (Barcelona, free transfer) came in, and the German international was not even planned. On the other side, the most notable name is Julian Alvarez who signed for Atletico Madrid. And maybe, just maybe, Guadiola feels he was wrong.🚨 | Pep Guardiola confirms he “didn’t expect” Julian Alvarez to leave. pic.twitter.com/Lgj2jVCfwO— City Chief (@City_Chief) August 30, 2024 The Argentine was not happy with the playing time and the Spaniard is famous for not having his players moan, so he let him go. And now, the English champion has only one true striker – Erling Haaland. But for Guadiola, there are players who can play in that position, even thou they are not classical strikers, and his only real fear is the injuries, which can disrupt his plan. LIVE BLOG: Transfer window is now CLOSED!“I’m happy with the squad. We didn’t expect Julian was leaving, although he had conversations a long time ago with other clubs and his agent, so it could happen and in the end it happened. We saw what we have, if we have many, many injuries it will be a problem, but in a few months Oscar Bobb will be back from injury and Phil Foden is in that position, McAtee can play in that position, Gundogan can play in that position, Bernardo… They are different players to Erling of course. Maybe it is a mistake letting Alvarez leave, I don’t know but I don’t like leaving players without playing for a long time. When everyone is involved with a chance to play the performance of the teams is always better. I know the group and how serious and professional they are and their commitment in every single game. We are pretty sure it is better to wait“ he said ahead of the game with West Ham.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 3Saturday14:30: (1.40) Arsenal (5.30) Brighton (8.00)17:00: (3.00) Ipswich (3.40) Fulham (2.35)17:00: (5.00) Leicester (3.70) Aston Villa (1.80)17:00: (2.85) Everton (3.40) Bournemouth (2.60)17:00: (1.80) Brentford (3.60) Southampton (4.60)17:00: (2.05) Nott.Forest (3.45) Wolverhampton (3.60)19:30: (8.00) West Ham (5.00) Man.City (1.38)Sunday15:30: (1.65) Chelsea (3.80) Crystal Palace (5.40)15:30: (2.55) Newcastle (3.90) Tottenham (2.60)18:00: (3.80) Man.Utd. (4.10) Liverpool (1.95)***odds are subject to change***
