Two ways Pep Guardiola is showing he is a great manager this summer

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 14: Leroy Sane of Manchester City celebrates with team mate Kevin De Bruyne after scoring the first Manchester City goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on January 14, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Manchester City are preparing to defend their record-breaking Premier League title, and the new season is on the horizon.

Preseason is in full swing. Although the Sky Blues’ tour of America began with narrow defeat against Borussia Dortmund, Pep Guardiola’s acumen is really shining through in this summer period.

Approaching his third campaign as Manchester City boss, the Spaniard has intensified the anticipation after City unleashed their sleek, ruthless best throughout the course of last term.

It is an incredibly tough – potentially impossible – act to follow, and surely even the most optimistic of Manchester City supporters can’t expect a repeat.

But the early signs are positive. Here are two reasons why Pep Guardiola is conducting this preseason superbly, hence revealing his managerial wisdom.

1. Avoiding the transfer window flurry

The money circulating in football, even more so nowadays, means every transfer window often triggers the urge to really splash out.

Last summer Pep Guardiola did so – Kyle Walker; Ederson; Danilo and Bernardo Silva among the chief signings.

His rebuilding project was ultimately immaculate, and perhaps the persuasion to go on another spree this off-season would have been strong.

So far, though, the Spaniard has refrained from capitalising on Manchester City’s riches. Riyad Mahrez, long linked to the club, has been the only box-office signing.

Links to Thiago Alcantara and Miralem Pjanic have quickly been quelled, and the announcement City would not bring a so-called ‘big name’ midfielder suggests Guardiola is being smart.

A sparkling squad containing gems such as Kevin de Bruyne, Sergio Aguero and David Silva combined to create an insurmountable force last season. Guardiola has recognised that and, crucially, isn’t making too many alterations.

And in this economic climate, especially at a club powered by money, that is admirable. Liverpool and Arsenal have not been afraid to secure marquee signings. Whether that pays off is up for debate.

Guardiola is looking to play to Manchester City’s strengths which, judging by last season, lie in the players already in the side.

Nothing needs to change. The manager has observed that, and it could be a vital decision.