Normally, we are familiar with the phrase 'Here We Go!' from journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming player transfers and managerial appointments.
If on the final day of the 2025/26 Premier League season we witness many big-name farewells, the phrase might shift to 'TEAR WE GO' instead.
Change is eternal. Besides knowing in advance that Mo Salah announced his departure from Liverpool, and similarly Bernardo Silva, a beloved footballer admired for his skill, a small player who Thai fans should greatly emulate!
It was almost emotionally unsettling to learn just days ago that Pep Guardiola, the greatest manager of this era, also plans to step down from Manchester City.
--- I never thought Pep would finish after just this season ---
Seeing Manchester City push hard to challenge Arsenal late in the season, I thought Pep’s rebuilding was going well, and if it caused more heartbreak to Mikel Arteta, his former key staff member, then the Cityzens would still claim the title while Pep’s new team is still under construction.
Pep could not lift a seventh Premier League trophy with City, possibly due to a tougher schedule than Arsenal’s at the end, Rodri’s absence having an impact, and we must also commend Arsenal for their consistent performance throughout the season.
Sometimes, we forget that Pep has been with the Cityzens for over a decade—his longest managerial tenure.
Pep’s departure resembles that of Jürgen Klopp, both rivals who pushed each other, building teams ready to succeed and waiting for successors to continue, not leaving amidst a fractured squad awaiting major overhaul.
Besides seeing Pep’s tears at the Etihad Stadium, we must also be moved by the tears of Bernardo Silva, my favorite midfielder, who has been key for City for nine years. At just 31, he remains a precious gem for the team’s future.
Johnny, Johnny Stones
Johnny, Johnny Stones
Singing simply, singing continuously, and I believe City fans will keep singing even though John Stones is another important figure whose time to leave has come.
He has been around for a decade alongside Pep, also just 31 years old (current players can extend careers beyond 35 if well maintained), but sometimes you must accept change.
--- Mo Salah & Robbo: Losses Hard to Replace ---
If someone asks who Liverpool can find to replace Mo Salah?
I would quickly reply: no one.
There are always interesting new wingers, but a winger who can score consistently like the King of Egypt season after season? At this moment, I truly see no one, nor expect that to happen soon.
We must also consider the good fortune in Jürgen Klopp’s era creating a perfect front three—Sadio Mané, Bobby Firmino, and Salah—who complemented each other and shook England and Europe. (Old-school fans would love to see them play together again at Anfield someday!)
I’m not disrespecting Arsenal; they deserve to end their 22-year wait with their consistent play and many clean sheets. Even if some goals came from set-pieces or corners, if that brings success, there’s no need to criticize.
But the truth is, they don’t have a front three scoring as much as Klopp’s mighty Liverpool trio, or even City’s current trio of Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland, and Antoine Semenyo, who still fall short of Klopp’s front three. Perhaps if City’s frontline maintains form for another 3-4 years, they might be comparable then.
For Liverpool fans, losing Andy Robertson—from a despondent youth who initially showed no promise upon joining Liverpool to growing into a powerful fullback alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold, forming a crucial heavy-metal style attacking duo—is also a significant loss. (Younger readers may be puzzled, but our generation knows that term from a movie title.)
Milos Kerkez shows no sign of filling that role yet, so next season will be crucial. If performance remains the same, a new left back will be needed. In today’s world, you cannot invest just £8 million and expect a world-class left back like Robbo.
Some might think replacing Robbo at left back is easier than replacing Mo Salah.
But if you aim to win major trophies like the Premier League or Champions League, quality in every position is essential.
Little Joe