MANCHESTER CITY chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak has given his season review.
The Abu Dhabi-based businessman spoke about his views on Pep Guardiola, their summer plans and what the future holds for some City legends.
Here SunSport gives the highlights.
YOUR SUMMARY ON THE SEASON?
In normal circumstances ending the season without a trophy would be very disappointing, but it’s not.
Not being within close range of winning the title is a disappointment, so is not winning either the FA Cup or the League Cup.
We are a team that expects to win at least one trophy every year. And then to go further every year in the Champions League.
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But if you look at it through a different lens we are going in a direction that is positive.
I am excited about how we are developing, how Pep has taken the squad and started a process of going through that natural cycle of development.
You’ve seen many glimpses of us playing a type of football that is very exciting and which the fans will grow to love and the results will come.
DID PREMIER LEAGUE TAKE PEP BY SURPRISE?
The Premier League is unique. It’s very demanding, it’s very physical, it’s non-stop.
Pep has introduced a new way of playing, an exciting way but a way that requires work and which requires a set of players that function within that system.
This season that puzzle wasn’t complete and I hope this summer we support Pep in completing that puzzle.
DO YOU NEED TWEAKS OR WHOLESALE CHANGES?
The transition of this squad started last year. Look at the players we brought in: youth, talent, speed.
Leroy Sane, at 21 the right age, one of the most-exciting prospects in Europe, and he has shown that on the pitch.
John Stones, 22, is going to be one of the best central defenders in the world.
Gabriel Jesus, 19, one of the top future talents in the world.
So if you just look at those three, that’s what we did last year and that’s what you should expect this year.
We are going to get some of the best talent in the world to be part of this strategy.
HOW BIG IS THE BUDGET? £200M TO £300M HAS BEEN SPECULATED.
It’s slightly more sophisticated than that! It’s a process that’s continuous, it’s part of our day-to-day operation.
Scouting is every day, all season. The manager is thinking about the squad every day. Everyone in our football operation thinks about this every day.
That thinking evolves throughout the year to get to a final point where decisions are made. Then finally Sheikh Mansour gives the green light.
HOW MANY PLAYERS WILL COME IN?
We have been consistent on that. If you look at our last two or three windows, the number of players we have bought has worked well for us. This year we will see more of that.
There are particular positions that are clear. Full-back, both the right and left, are areas that require investment.
Pep relies heavily on that position. The way he plays, he has a big affinity to that full-back position. More importantly Pep knows what he wants and who he wants.
IS SERGIO AGUERO STAYING?
Absolutely. There’s never been a doubt. I’ve read a lot of the speculation and it’s ridiculous.
Sergio is one of the best players in the world. We are a team that aspires to win every competition. Having Sergio in our squad is a must.
WILL YAYA TOURE BE GIVEN A NEW CONTRACT?
Yaya is a player that over the last six years has been instrumental to our success.
This year, again, he has shown on the pitch the type of player and personality he is.
Pep has confidence in him. I hope Yaya will continue his journey with us.
IS VINCENT KOMPANY STILL IMPORTANT TO CITY?
Vincent is our captain, I am delighted with the way he ended the season, it has been extremely difficult for him.
He has shown personality, leadership and commitment to not letting these injuries beat him. I am looking forward to seeing him next year giving us a continuation of what we have seen in the last eight games.
CAN ZABALETA BE PART OF THE CLUB AGAIN?
I hope so. Pablo is part of our City family and always will be.
He would be a great manager one day.
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