City prepare for new era after Guardiola and Rodri exits

Manchester City's long spell of dominance faces its stiffest test, according to The Guardian's Premier League 2026-27 season preview. The 15th in the series points to the departures of Pep Guardiola and Rodri as a turning point, describing the moment as the possible end of an era at the Etihad.

The task of sustaining that success now falls to Enzo Maresca. The new manager is expected to keep City among the domestic and continental superpowers, though replacing both a legendary coach and a key midfield presence is no small challenge.

The Guardian's writers are cautiously optimistic, with their average predicted position placing City second for the coming campaign. That matches last season's finish and suggests the squad remains among the strongest in the league despite the transition.

The coming months will show whether City can hold their ground or whether these exits signal a genuine shift in the balance of power. For now, the club begins the season with much to prove under new leadership.