Soccer-Revamped Manchester City ready for new era without talisman De Bruyne

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Round of 16 - Manchester City v Al Hilal - Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida, U.S. - June 30, 2025 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola talks to his players before the start of extra time REUTERS/Hannah Mckay/File Photo

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) -Manchester City will embark on a new era this season in their first in 10 years without talisman Kevin De Bruyne as Pep Guardiola looks to make last term's third-place finish a distant memory and restore his revamped outfit to their former glory.

They face a tough task against champions Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea -- all big spenders in the transfer window -- but the anticipated return of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri and scoring machine Erling Haaland to top form give reason for optimism.