Arsenal star believes Manchester City could be even better without Pep Guardiola

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has insisted Manchester City might not necessarily be worse off without Pep Guardiola next season.

Cadena SER report comments from the Arsenal midfielder. He’s been speaking on El Larguero, discussing various topics, including Guardiola’s departure.

Guardiola leaves Manchester City

Pep Guardiola announced his departure from Manchester City today. He will leave the Etihad after 10 trophy-laden years at the Etihad.

This trophy haul includes six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, the Champions League and the Club World Cup. He departs as a Premier League legend, to say the least.

The impact it has on Manchester City, remains to be seen. They are expected to name Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola’s replacement sooner rather than later.

How he, or any other manager, follows in Pep Guardiola’s footsteps will undoubtedly be a fascinating story to watch unfold. The assumption is that Manchester City will struggle as they adapt to life without their iconic coach.

Success or failure?

That has certainly been the case at other big clubs in the Premier League. City rivals Manchester United being the prime example. But others have had less rocky journeys. Liverpool, for example were Premier League champions under Arne Slot last season after Jurgen Klopp departed.

Such a departure does not, necessarily, mean an immediate fall off. And the Arsenal midfielder doesn’t see that happening either.

“It’s a very complex question,” he said, when asked if Manchester City will be ‘worse off’ after Pep Guardiola’s departure.

“They’re going to lose the best manager in the world, or perhaps in history, but football is so unpredictable that a new manager could come in and achieve even better results. The incoming manager will adapt his approach, and it will be a different team.”

Of course, while that is Merino’s public view, he might be thinking differently privately. Particularly as Arsenal look to defend their Premier League title next season.