Guardiola Threatens To Leave Manchester City If Squad Size Is Not Reduced For Next Season

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current size of the squad, hinting at a potential departure if it is not reduced. Following their 3-1 win over Bournemouth, he voiced concerns about leaving several players out of the matchday squad. Guardiola stated, "It's impossible for my soul to tell my players in the stands that they cannot play."

Guardiola emphasised that managing a large squad is challenging, especially when some players are consistently left out. He said, "As a manager I cannot train 24 players and every time I select I have to have four, five, six to stay in Manchester at home because they cannot play." His frustration stems from having too many players available after a period when injuries made it difficult to field a full team.

In January, Manchester City spent over £200 million on new signings like Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush to revitalise the team. Kevin De Bruyne is confirmed to leave this summer, while Jack Grealish's future remains uncertain as he hasn't started since April 2. Guardiola's recent contract extension keeps him at the club until 2027.

When asked about potential player departures during the off-season, Guardiola deferred to the club's management. He remarked, "It is a question for the club. I don't want to have 24, 25, 26 players when everyone is fit." He suggested relying on academy players if injuries occur.

City will conclude their Premier League season against Fulham before heading to the United States for the Club World Cup. They are grouped with Juventus, Wydad, and Al Ain in this tournament. Guardiola's focus remains on managing his squad effectively while preparing for these upcoming challenges.

Guardiola's insistence on reducing the squad size highlights his commitment to maintaining a balanced team where all players have opportunities to contribute. His comments reflect his dedication to ensuring that every player feels valued and part of the team's success.