I hope Guardiola gets it better this time around, he should have learned from his mistake and what happened to Man City exposed the club and showed that people praised it too much. People thought every angle you play in Man City has an equal or better replacement, but injury and lack of feat this season have proven that wrong. However, your last part makes the most sense, Guardiola's side might have bought, planned to dispose and even bought more later, but this season is gone, I don't know how Man City can finish the first or second position again, so let's save the higher praise in action till then, that's if he ever got it right again.
History have it that Pep Guardiola is arguably the best tactician of his generation but unfortunately for him, he's enduring his worst campaign managing the first team of club in over his over 15 years experience. Pep Guardiola I believe have already taken note of the reason behind his team's poor results this season and if Manchester City management should back him in signing the players of his choice in the summer for next season, I strongly believe that Manchester City will be almost unplayable for many teams next season. Being the first manager to win four consecutive English Premier League titles isn't a regular achievement and I think he still got the managerial abilities to do something more extraordinary if other teams in the nearest future even when I'm not a fan of the Spanish manager
Gaurdiolla is gradually making the corrections he needs. So far he has risen to fourth place and not long ago they were able to redeem themselves from the loss they would have had against Plymouth in the FA cup 5th round. Pep is gradually getting back his team to their best of form.
Next season will be very competitive, I know for sure Arne Slot wouldn't back out from pursuing the title again next season and thus the competitiveness we lacked in this season due to Manchester City draw backs will be displayed in coming season with lots of anxiety and heavy expectations.