Liverpool, Man City face questions in new era without Salah, Guardiola

SportsLiverpool, Man City face questions in new era without Salah, GuardiolaBy AFP -Aug 22, 2026Add ARY News on GoogleAAResizeMohamed Salah and Pep Guardiola are two of the most iconic figures in Premier League history — how Liverpool and Manchester City cope without them will define their seasons. For the first time since 2016, Liverpool kick off a campaign without Egypt forward Salah as their talisman, while City can no longer rely on Guardiola’s managerial genius to inspire them after a glorious decade. Salah joined Turkish club Trabzonspor earlier in August, ending the Anfield career of one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s illustrious history. Guardiola resigned at the conclusion of last season, bringing the curtain down on the most successful period in City’s history. Now Liverpool and City launch new eras without them as the Premier League season gets underway. City host Bournemouth on Sunday in Enzo Maresca’s first league game as Guardiola’s successor. Just a few hours later, Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Iraola will pick a team shorn of Salah when the Reds travel to Newcastle. The uncertainty over the prospects of both City and Liverpool this season is a reflection not only on the loss of Guardiola and Salah, but also the turbulence that preceded their emotional farewells in May. Guardiola won six Premier League titles and the club’s first Champions League crown among a remarkable 20 trophies after taking charge in 2016. The 55-year-old lifted the FA Cup and League Cup in his last season, but he exited with City removed from their perch as England’s pre-eminent force after failing to win the title in his final two years. Guardiola admitted he struggled to generate the energy required to lead City’s fight against Arsenal last term, with the Gunners eventually finishing seven points clear as they clinched the title. The departure of his trusted director of football Txiki Begiristain in 2025 left Guardiola lamenting “a part of me is leaving”. With City a...