Leicester will be England’s only representatives in the Champions League quarter-finals after Manchester City crashed out of the competition at the hands of Monaco.
The debate will continue on the merits of the away goals rule, but the reality is Pep Guardiola’s men blew it after carrying a two-goal lead into the second leg.
The FA Cup is now the Catalan’s only realistic chance of silverware in what was supposed to be a trophy-laden first season at the club.
Given the expectations surrounding his takeover from Manuel Pellegrini, it’s been pretty disastrous.
This won’t have escaped Guardiola’s notice, and he looks more rattled with every negative result.
Nonetheless, all the indications are that Sheikh Mansour has finally learned a valuable lesson in the need for a little patience with his managers.
Guardiola should still be in charge next term, so he’s already started making plans.
The Guardian have it that a ridiculous 18 players are set to leave in the summer, with Yaya Toure the most notable player who looks likely to be shipped out – despite the fact that City won’t get a penny for him as he’s coming to the end of his contract.
Gael Clichy, Pablo Zabaleta, Willy Caballero, Jesus Navas, Bacary Sagna, and Tosin Adarabioy are all in similar positions in that they will not be given new deals.
There will be no way back for Joe Hart, Eliaquim Mangala, Samir Nasri, Wilfried Bony, or Jason Denayer, all of whom are on loan. In any normal circumstances, Hart would be welcomed with open arms given the season Claudio Bravo’s had, but the manager has clearly made up his mind.
Sergio Aguero heads up the list of names who will also be sitting down with Guardiola, though it’s thought their situations are simply uncertain and nothing has been decided just yet.
Injury-prone captain Vincent Kompany may only stay if he can prove his fitness, while Aleksandar Kolarov, Fabian Delph, and Fernando are also likely to move on.
Gabriel Jesus’ arrival means Kelechi Iheanacho is no long City’s go-to wonderkid up front, but the Nigerian should find himself in demand elsewhere.
It’s going to be a very different City side next season.
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