Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a strong warning to the club’s hierarchy: reduce the size of the squad or risk losing him. Following City’s 3-1 Premier League win over Bournemouth, Guardiola revealed that managing a large group of players has taken a toll on his “soul” — and he is unwilling to continue under such circumstances.
Despite the victory placing City third in the league and within touching distance of Champions League qualification, Guardiola used the post-match discussion to express growing frustration over the depth of the squad, which he sees as more of a burden than a luxury. The Spaniard emphasized that he cannot cope with regularly excluding multiple players from matchday squads, especially when they are fit and eager to contribute.
Pep Guardiola Unhappy with Squad Management Burden
For Tuesday’s game, senior players including Abdukodir Khusanov, Savinho, James McAtee, Claudio Echeverri, and Rico Lewis were all omitted from the 20-man matchday squad. Despite this showcasing the depth at Guardiola’s disposal, the manager said it creates more harm than good.
City made significant investments during the January transfer window, spending over £200 million to acquire Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, and Vitor Reis. Claudio Echeverri also officially joined after a loan spell at River Plate. These additions have swelled the squad to 28 first-team members, not including under-21 players and those out on loan.
While Premier League clubs are allowed to register up to 25 senior players, additional under-21 players are eligible beyond that limit. Still, Pep Guardiola believes that carrying such a large pool of senior professionals disrupts team chemistry and damages morale.
The only confirmed departure so far is Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to leave the Etihad this summer. The future of Jack Grealish remains uncertain, as the England international has not started a Premier League game since April 2.
In contrast to Pep Guardiola’s ideal squad size, many Premier League rivals carry larger rosters. Chelsea, for example, lists 31 players on their website, with an additional 21 players out on loan. Brighton and Tottenham both list 29 players, while Wolves name 30.
Arsenal, who are still in the title race, operate with 24 first-team players — a size closer to Guardiola’s preferred setup. Champions Liverpool, along with Aston Villa, Everton, and Nottingham Forest, each have squads capped at 25 players.
Historically, Guardiola has advocated for lean squads, managing with just 20 senior players at the start of the 2023–24 season. He believes smaller groups foster unity, clarity, and higher morale — elements he feels are jeopardized by the current structure at Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola, who is under contract until 2027, has made his stance clear: either Manchester City reduces its squad size this summer, or he may step away from the job. The ball is now in the club’s court as they prepare for the transfer window and plot their squad structure for the 2024–25 season.
The manager’s heartfelt appeal highlights the often-overlooked human aspect of elite football. While success is typically measured by silverware and league titles, Pep Guardiola emphasizes that emotional well-being, mutual respect, and team harmony are just as essential. Managing a squad goes beyond tactics and performance; it involves maintaining morale and ensuring every player feels valued.
Guardiola’s frustration with having to sideline capable players reflects the emotional toll such decisions can take. His call for a smaller squad is not just about efficiency—it’s about preserving the spirit and unity that drive long-term success at the highest level of the sport.
Source- BBC