Fourth in the Premier League, Fighting Relegation and the Title?

There were too many strong teams in the Premier League.

But if asked which was the strongest, many people might have said Arsenal, last season's Champions League runners-up, or Chelsea, the triple runners-up from the year before.

But if Lu Yang had been asked, he would have said Liverpool and Manchester City.

Because they were currently the only two teams in world football with two passing superstars.

Moreover, both clubs had received major investment and boasted extremely complete squads, with players of note in most positions.

Even if they were not overwhelmingly strong, they certainly were not weak.

However, neither team could currently claim to be stronger than Arsenal, Chelsea, or Real Madrid.

Because both teams were still in their adjustment periods.

And this was even more apparent with Manchester City.

Because Manchester City's manager was a true master of technical football: Guardiola.

That meant Manchester City's ceiling might be even higher.

But... that was actually detrimental to Manchester City's integration.

The manager held absolute authority, but the team's two biggest stars, Lima and Moreira, also possessed a certain degree of influence. That was bound to create conflict among the three.

Playing style no longer restricted players like Lima and Moreira.

Legendary players like them were naturally gifted, and in theory, they could adapt to any style of play.

But being able to adapt was one thing; liking it was another.

You could make Moreira and Lima play properly for a match or two, but for an entire season... absolutely impossible.

With two veterans taking the lead, the young players in Manchester City's squad would become difficult to manage as well.

Last year, Guardiola had taken a mid-table Manchester City side into the Europa League, more than justifying the investment made by the club's owner.

But he had clearly felt