Football NewsThe GuardianUnverified source· 24 Aug 2026
Post-Pep Era Begins: Premier League Feels New
Possession numbers, physicality, and rhythm all felt noticeably new as the season kicked off.
Guardiola
coach
Context
Start of new Premier League season
Theme
Post-Pep Guardiola era
Observation
Games felt hyper-managed with new intensity
What happened. The Premier League season began with a noticeable shift in style, as possession stats and physicality marked a new era after Pep Guardiola's departure from Manchester City.
- Guardiola content, including a four-part Amazon documentary, dominated pre-season.
- The documentary featured team talks and moments from his final days at City.
- The new season's rhythm and intensity felt distinctly different from before.
The season's opening weekend signals a transition as clubs adapt to life without Guardiola's influence.
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