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While it may also offer some consolation to a side who, in another era could have been celebrating their third title in four years and be standing 90 minutes away from the immortality of a quadruple, the real payback could come next year.

It was not false modesty when Guardiola admitted his City side will need to improve again next season if they are to successfully defend their title.



While the addition of superstar striker Erling Haaland to City's roster as well as the likely signings of a defensive midfielder and a left-back, Liverpool have been busy reconstructing their squad, too.



City will add at least two players given the loss of Fernandinho, Benjamin Mendy's departure from the squad and the ageing legs of Kyle Walker.



It is the future of the manager himself which will be the main signature that City need if they are to blend together another squad capable of withstanding the renewed charge from Liverpool.

His deal at City will take him to next summer as it stands and he may have the energy to commit to another 12 months after that taking him to eight years at the Etihad. "I'm so exhausted right now. I need rest and I need to see the team next season," he said.

While Liverpool have to rouse themselves again on Saturday for one last push against Real Madrid in Paris, City will head for the beach.