The task in front of Hugo Viana is clear to see as Manchester City look to be at the end of an era | OneFootball

At the final whistle of Manchester City’s emphatic 4-nil defeat to Tottenham, it looked to me that the end of an era has arrived at Manchester City. The toll of climbing the mountain each season to stand at the top of it looks to have caught up to the world champions. There is little doubt that this day has been coming. Pep Guardiola alluded to this fact when speaking following the game. But what is apparent is the task facing Hugo Viana when he takes over as Manchester City’s director of football at the end of the season is clear to see. It’s almost undeniable at this stage.

Simon Mullock has reported for the Mirror that Hugo Viana will be given a sizable budget to help usher in a new era at Manchester City. Mullock reports that Viktor Gyökeres is one target for City’s incoming director of football. But upfront is just one area in need of a rebuild in Pep Guardiola’s squad. There are a host of areas where Viana will need to strengthen and rebuild based on City’s recent games.

READ MORE: City player ratings from Manchester City’s dismal 4-nil defeat to Tottenham.

Manchester City looks to be in desperate need of legs in midfield. That stands out with every passing game that Pep Guardiola’s side play. It’s at a point where City need a midfielder in January just to stem the tide. But it’s clear that Manchester City’s midfield will be one of the first areas that Hugo Viana must hit the transfer market to regenerate next summer. But there are other areas besides in midfield and up front that need retooling.

Manchester City’s defence has begun to fail and falter. As much of a warrior Kyle Walker has been for the world champions he is fast approaching the end of his career. He has lost the speed that made him one of the best right-backs in Premier League history. The champions need a new right-back. You add that to their midfield, and the need for another striker, and the list of tasks in front of Hugo Viana grows.

The heart of Manchester City’s defence looks to need regeneration as well. Injuries have crippled City’s defence this season. But this isn’t a new issue, particularly with Nathan Ake and John Stones. The pair are injury prone which is becoming an issue. A young and fit defender also looks to be on Viana’s to-do list next summer. I don’t think that City can enter next season with what they have. Although Jahmai Simpson-Pusey looks to be a player who has a future at Manchester City. So does Callum Doyle in my opinion.

But what is clear is the job ahead for Hugo Viana. Manchester City looks to have reached the end of an era. It has been a prosperous one but all eras end. Sometimes, it happens in a brutal fashion. That is the job in front of Txiki Begiristain’s replacement. It is no easy task or easy fix. But based on the work for Sporting CP Viana has done he will be up for it.

But following Manchester City’s hammering at the hands of Tottenham yesterday it looks like the end of an era has arrived at the Etihad. It will Hugo Viana’s job to build the next one. He will know the task that awaits him when he takes over from Txiki Begiristain next summer.