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Manchester Today
By the People, for the People
Manchester City Defenders Highlight Challenges of Rebuilding Amid Title Race
New signings like Marc Guehi are learning Pep Guardiola's system on the fly as City fights for trophies on multiple fronts.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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Despite being in the thick of the Premier League title race, Manchester City is also in the midst of a squad rebuild, with several new players like Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo joining the club in January. Guehi's comments after a recent win over Newcastle illustrate the task at hand, as he describes having to "change my game completely" and learn "so many aspects" of Pep Guardiola's demanding style of play. This transition period is often overlooked as City continues to compete for honors on multiple fronts.
Why it matters
Manchester City's ability to challenge for trophies while integrating several new players into Pep Guardiola's system shows the depth of the club's talent pool and the quality of its coaching staff. However, the learning curve for these new signings highlights the difficulty of maintaining elite performance during a rebuilding phase, especially with the high expectations and pressure that comes with being in a title race.
The details
After joining City from Crystal Palace last month, defender Marc Guehi has spoken about the significant adjustments he's had to make to his game to fit Guardiola's possession-based, high-pressing style. Guehi said he's had to change "so many aspects" of his play, from when to pass the ball to how to commit opposing players. Other recent City signings like Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Ait-Nouri are also in the process of adapting to Guardiola's methods while the team competes for multiple trophies.
- Manchester City signed Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo during the January 2026 transfer window.
- City defeated Newcastle 2-1 in a recent Premier League match.
The players
Marc Guehi
A 23-year-old defender who joined Manchester City from Crystal Palace in January 2026.
Pep Guardiola
The manager of Manchester City, known for his demanding, possession-based style of play.
What they’re saying
“It's a top club. Since I came here, everyone has been so welcoming – players and staff. I have had to change my game completely. I am learning every day. When to pass the ball, committing players – so many aspects I am learning on the job. It's been great because I have had a lot of help.”
— Marc Guehi, Manchester City Defender
“How you see Pep on TV is what he is like – passionate, intense and a winner. He wants to play his way. I am just glad I have the opportunity to be here.”
— Marc Guehi, Manchester City Defender
What’s next
Manchester City will look to continue integrating their new signings as they push for the Premier League title and other trophies in the final months of the season.
The takeaway
Manchester City's ability to challenge for multiple trophies while undergoing a squad rebuild speaks to the club's depth and Pep Guardiola's coaching prowess. However, the learning curve for new players like Marc Guehi highlights the difficulty of maintaining elite performance during a transition period, even for a club of City's resources.
