Pep Guardiola Issues Ultimatum To Manchester City Over Squad Size

‎Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has said he wants a tighter squad next season.

‎He admitted it troubles his “soul” to leave so many players on the bench when everyone is fit.

‎Regular internationals Savinho, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Claudio Echeverri were all absent from the squad on Tuesday as City defeated Bournemouth 3-1. Additionally, England’s James McAtee and Rico Lewis were also left out.

‎City’s first team consists of 28 players, excluding four who are on loan, and boasts one of the most valuable squads globally, with some media estimates valuing it at over 1.3 billion euros ($1.47 billion).

‎”I said to the club … I don’t want to leave five or six players in the freezer,” Guardiola told reporters after City moved up to third with one match left in the campaign.

‎”I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay.”

‎Despite their huge squad, City faced an injury crisis late last year, with the side going on a five-match losing streak in all competitions between October-November.

‎In the January transfer window, they signed Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, Khusanov, and Nico Gonzalez, spending over $224 million to help address the issue.

‎But with defenders John Stones and Nathan Ake the only two players currently out with injury, Guardiola said it was “impossible” for his “soul” to keep telling so many players they would be watching the match from the stands.

‎”It is a question for the club. I don’t want to have 24, 25, 26 players when everyone is fit. If I have injuries, unlucky, we have some players (from) the academy and we do it,” the manager added.

‎Guardiola, who renewed his contract with City until 2027 in November, will manage the club as they defend their Club World Cup title next month.