With 33 games played by each team in the 2019/20 English Premier League, the gap between champions Liverpool and second place Manchester City is 23 points. It is a huge difference and while Liverpool have been excellent this season, Manchester City have seen a severe drop in the level of their performance across the campaign.
Having played 33 matches last season, Manchester City had won 83 points and although that would still see them 6 points behind Liverpool at this stage, the title race would still be alive. Also, there is a huge difference between a gap of 23 points and 6 points. Yes, Liverpool have improved in the league but Manchester City know they have not pushed them at all this season.
The question is, how do Manchester City close the gap on Liverpool next season?
Clearly there has to be an improvement defensively. Last season Manchester City conceded 23 goals throughout the whole campaign whereas this season they have conceded 34 goals with 5 games still to be played. The loss of Vincent Kompany was always going to be hard to swallow but the club did not sign a replacement and that has proved costly this season.
There is no doubt Pep Guardiola will be looking to bring in a central defender during the next transfer window. It appears as though the manager is giving Eric Garcia every opportunity to prove himself in the remainder of this season but the defeat at Southampton may have already made up Guardiola’s mind. Garcia is only 19 years old and has the makings of developing into a top central defender but can Manchester City afford to wait another season or two for that to happen?
The likelihood is that Guardiola is going to make a move in the transfer market but who is available in the central defensive position? Manchester City need to bring someone in who has plenty of experience and Inter Milan’s Milan Škriniar fits the bill. The 25-year-old has plenty of experience playing in Serie A, the Champions League and international football for Slovakia. However, there are fears his tendency to commit himself to challenges and dive in could prove costly in Guardiola’s system.
Perhaps a better option would be Dayot Upamecano, who currently plays for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. The French under 21 international is very athletic and has enough pace to recover, which is especially important when holding a high line. Upamecano certainly has all the attributes to become one of the world's best central defenders but may not have the experience Manchester City require right now.
That leaves Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli. The Senegal international has long been linked with a move to the Premier League and it could come to fruition this summer. The 29-year-old is experienced when it comes to playing in big matches for Napoli, both in the Champions League and Serie A. Yes, Koulibaly is approaching 30 years of age and that means Manchester City will probably need to replace him in a few years’ time but that could open the door for Upamecano.
Manchester City are not in a position to be picky and need to improve defensively. Koulibaly may never have played in the Premier League before during his career and will cost a considerable sum considering his age. However, Manchester City cannot afford to concede the same number of goals next season and must make a move to shore up their defence.