A new season means a new look for Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
The Spaniard was spotted out and about before his troops return for pre-season on July 28.
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And fans may have been forgiven if they did a double take had they seen the City manager in public.
That’s because Guardiola now sports a moustache.
Pictures of Guardiola’s fresh look did the rounds on social media, with several left enamoured with the growth above his upper lip.
One fan wrote: “You can’t just post ‘Pep Guardiola’ now has a moustache’ and expect us to get on with our lives.”
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Another said: “The league is not ready for a bald moustache Josep Guardiola.”
Guardiola’s decision to rock the moustache comes just over four years after he openly admired a reporter’s facial hair during a press conference.
In February 2021, Guardiola told TNT Sports correspondent Fred Caldeira: “I really like your moustache, Fred. You are so attractive and sexy.”
Guardiola may be whispering those same affirmations in front of the mirror now that he has a moustache of his own.
The 54-year-old will hope his new look will coincide with a return to the top of the Premier League for City after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign.
City were denied a fifth-straight Premier League title as they finished third last term and 13 points behind winners Liverpool.
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It was also the first time since the 2016/17 season, which was Guardiola’s first at the helm of City, the club failed to win a major trophy.
City was knocked out in the fourth round of the League Cup and stunned by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
Guardiola’s side was also eliminated in the knockout playoffs of the Champions League by Real Madrid.
Even City’s Club World Cup campaign didn’t go according to plan as they were beaten by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal in the round of 16.
How are Manchester City trying to get back on top?
In a bid to reverse City’s fortunes, Guardiola has been allowed to spend big on reinforcements.
Tijjani Reijnders has boosted City’s midfield stocks while left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri was snapped up from Wolves.
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City also added exciting French winger Rayan Cherki for £34million, experienced goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea as well as talented Norwegian teen Sverre Nypan.
Guardiola is not done yet with signings though, as talkSPORT understands City are set to re-sign James Trafford.
The Burnley goalkeeper had been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle throughout the window after a stellar Championship campaign.
But City now look set to welcome back their former academy standout for £27m after they activated their matching rights on Newcastle’s offer.
The 22-year-old has agreed to sign a five-year deal with the option of an extra year at City, who sold Trafford to Burnley for an initial £15m in 2023.
