In the last two summers, City have postponed much of the rebuild; two of the six recruits in that time are now in the band of 30-somethings. And while Guardiola said it was harder to be stable defensively without a quartet of centre backs and two holding midfielders, arguably he only has one: Mateo Kovacic does not covet that role.

Manchester City’s collapse in the last few weeks has been as epic as it has been shocking. Five straight losses and a six-game winless run is not what you would associate with the reigning Premier League champions.

Pep Guardiola has insisted Manchester City 'will be back' as they prepare to face Liverpool in Sunday's blockbuster Premier League clash at Anfield. Despite sitting second in the table, it has been a difficult season for the reigning champions so far.