“I can’t bench him for you no matter how bad he plays, he will always start all matches for Manchester City except when he’s injured”- Pep Guardiola says he has an untouchable player he can never sub off after snubbing a player who was already on the touch line against Liverpoo

Doku and Foden playing on the wings is a departure for City, who won the treble last season by seeking control from wide areas. The shackles have been removed early in the season.

“Last season, I mostly played on the right and Jack on the left. “We’re a little more controlled, not as direct,” Bernardo explained.

“It gives you more one-on-ones and counter-attacks, but you also lose some control of the game, so it’s not always good.” However, the squad as a whole is doing quite well.

“When players change, so does the way the team sets up.” But we’re doing great, and maybe we can keep it up. We also expect Jack to return.

“When our injured players are back, I can also play on the right again – so yes there are a lot of options depending on the game and what the manager wants.”

Guardiola shifted to command in the latter parts of last season, when City was battling Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and navigating a difficult run to the Champions League.

It might be another tight title race, with Arsenal back on top, a point ahead of City, who are a point ahead of Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp’s side eager to get back to their best after fading last season.

Bernardo anticipated a renewed challenge from Liverpool, which has pushed City this close twice before, but as appealing as that idea is for neutrals, the Portuguese is hoping to develop a lead this season rather than having to play catch up late in the season.

“We expected [Liverpool to return] after a difficult season for them.” We anticipated their energy would return, so it will be difficult – not just against them, but also against Arsenal and Tottenham – but we are ready to battle,” he remarked.

“We enjoy it more when we win, but it’s good for the Premier League and the fans when it’s this close and emotional.” We now have four teams that are in close proximity to one another.

“We’re going to do everything we can to close the gap – being so far behind Arsenal last season wasn’t fun.” We want to be at the top so that when February and March come around, we can compete for the Premier League again.”