As [Manchester City](https://madaboutepl.net/category/leagues/englishpremierleague/manchestercity/) prepare for another campaign in the [Premier League](https://madaboutepl.net/category/leagues/englishpremierleague/), the club finds itself under pressure to deliver titles after an underwhelming season by their standards. Pep Guardiola’s side will be looking to reinforce their dominance both domestically and in Europe. Here are three areas City must strengthen ahead of the 2025/26 season:
Despite being well-advanced in the transfer window, Man City are yet to fully resolve their left-back shortcomings. Since the departure of Oleksandr Zinchenko and then of João Cancelo, Guardiola has often deployed makeshift solutions like Nathan Aké or even inverted full-backs like Rico Lewis or Josko Gvardiol in the role.
While these tactics have worked to a degree, they lack the natural width and attacking fluidity a true left-back brings. An overlapping full-back who can stretch defences, contribute to the attack, and still hold his own defensively would give Guardiola greater tactical flexibility—especially against low blocks City will inevitably face from the first day of the season.
Kevin de Bruyne has departed for Italy and while City fans are relieved he did not end up in any Premier League club, replacing him or trying to manage the void he has left will be a herculean task.
While his influence had waned to an extent during his final days at the club, the assurance he brought to the dressing room and the bench will be a huge miss. Pep has tried out a number of combinations and tactics to ensure his side remain as lethal and potent attacking-wise but long-term stability will be sought by the coaching team this season.
Erling Haaland is a goal machine, but City’s over-reliance on him was exposed when injuries or tactical shifts nullified his impact.
Omar Marmoush has stepped up time and again but is still a far cry from being a certain provider of goals. Pep will be focusing on getting his two star attackers clicking in tandem this season and if that feat is achieved, City will take some stopping.
### Conclusion
The likes of Liverpool splashing the cash after winning the title and top clubs in Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal further strengthening means that Man City will have their task cut out this upcoming season but it is a task they have completed before and will be quietly confident of managing to compete once again.